Edna Lorene Manies Mathews

Edna L. Mathews of Visalia passed away peacefully at Kaweah Delta Medical Center on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at the age of 88. Born Edna Lorene Manies to Andrew Manies and Willie McGahey on April 18, 1928 in Grandfield, Oklahoma.

Edna was the baby of a large family and attended Elementary Schools in Oklahoma and Ivanhoe, California. She graduated from Visalia Union High School on June 11, 1946 and on February 2, 1951 married Everett R. Mathews. They were married 63 years until his death in 2014. Edna worked various office jobs, from Security Title Company, City of Visalia Tax Collector’s Office, Local 94 Union Office, Merritt Manor Retirement Home and various Doctor’s Offices in the Visalia/Tulare area. After retiring in the early 1990’s, Edna spent most of her time helping her brothers, sisters, and husband to cope with ongoing medical issues. Always the first to help in difficult situations, she loved her family and made many sacrifices to ensure their quality of life. Edna and Everett became residents of Walnut Park Retirement Complex in 2013. She quickly became friends with the staff, management and other residents. Edna and her dog Molly were a familiar site around Walnut Park going for their daily walks and she became known as “Molly’s Mom” to the other residents. Many of the people associated with Walnut Park have expressed their sadness at her passing and will miss her kindness and gratitude.

In addition to her son Travis Simpson of Visalia, CA, Edna is survived by her nephew Darrell Mathews and wife Carol of Visalia, CA, her grandsons Ryan Phillips and wife Lisa of Fresno, CA and Douglas Phillips and wife Ann of Visalia, CA.

Edna was preceded in death by her son Stephen Mathews in August of 1977 and her husband, Everett Mathews in September 2014.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., in Visalia. Burial will held privately at Visalia District Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be made to Kaweah Delta Hospice, 900 W. Oak Street, Visalia, CA 93291

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.