Belma "Jean" Matthews

97, of Beech Grove, passed away on April 15, 2020. She was born to the late John and Zona Hynes on April 8, 1923. Jean loved playing cards with her family every Sunday night at home for over 50 years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, trivia games and spending time with her family.

She invented games to play just to keep friends and family socializing. Mom was every team captain’s, or partner’s first pick for playing billiards, ping pong or getting an impromptu neighborhood baseball game together. In addition, she absolutely loved camping and going to the casinos. She was a faithful member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

Jean sacrificed her whole life to make sure she provided for her family. She never was a flashy person because she knew the value of being humble. She smiled and said hello to everyone. She never had a bad day.

Jean loved to sing and always had a song in her heart. She loved listening to and singing along with Doris Day, Perry Como and Benny Goodman. Mom would sing a song to us that she wrote as a teenager, and her adoring grandchildren bragged on what an excellent poet she was.

Jean is lovingly survived by her children; Rick Matthews, Joyce (Billie) Griffith, Karen (Terry) Feltner, Sandy Stout, Lori Aldred and Mike (Pam) Matthews, adoring grandchildren; Rickey (Stacy) Matthews, Jeff (Val) Matthews, Jimmy (Jackie) Matthews, Dana (Andrew) Larty, Kurt (Marilia) Matthews, Stephanie (Drew) Gray, Andy Thorpe, Devin (Mandi) Griffith, Chad (Kayla) Griffith, Shane (Sarah) Griffith, Tracy Feltner, Susie (Andrew) Sherlock, Steve Noble, Amy (Shawn) Cross, Fred (Noelle) Aldred, Robyn Matthews, Ian Matthews and Kylie (Tobi) Schuster, great grandchildren; Morgan, Kayleb, Bailey, Allie, Ethan, Kenzie, Corey, Nick, Riley, Hailey, Benicio, Nathan, Blake, Gavin, Makenzie, Kayden, Kaleah, Cheyenne, Josh, Jack, Caleigh, Alexis, Londyn, Autumn, Aubrey, Allison, Austin, Gage and Zoey, great-great grandchildren; Elliott and Mallory.

Jean is preceded in death by her loving husband; Richard B. Matthews, sons; Joseph M. Matthews and Daniel J. Matthews, grandchildren; Ryan J. Matthews and Carisa M. Stout Johnson and brothers; John F., Paul V. and Ronald T. Hynes.

A private family service has been scheduled with a Celebration of Jean's life at a later date.

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