Jeanne A. "Jean" Matthews

Born July 16, 1925 in Peoria to George and Alice Ida (Look) Hoffert, she married Leo F. Matthews on September 14, 1943 in Pekin. He died December 11, 1995 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are one son, Ronald Leo (Melanie) Matthews of Pekin; two daughters, Carol J. Shafer and Terri Sue Matthews Gambetti, both of Pekin; five grandchildren, Robyn J. (Bob) Wernowsky, Mark (Leigh Ann) Matthews, Michael Matthews, Clay Gambetti and Baylee Gambetti, all of Pekin and four great-grandchildren, Nicholas Wernowsky, Nathan Wernowsky, Emily Ann Matthews and Carson Leo Matthews, all of Pekin.

Jean worked for the Tazewell County Clerk's Office under Roy Lowry as his deputy clerk for many years. She and her husband also owned and operated AA Ambulance Service in Pekin for 15 years.

Jean enjoyed dancing and formerly attended the Mr. and Mrs. Dances with her husband. She was a dedicated member of Altrusa in Pekin for more than 30 years. She also enjoyed attending programs at the Miller Center, especially playing bingo and game day activities.

She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin, where she had served on numerous committees including as the longtime chairperson of the altar flowers.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin. The Rev. Todd K. Mushaney will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, and also from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 101 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, the Pekin Park Foundation, 1701 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Altrusa International, Inc. of Pekin, c/o Marilyn Vedas, 1503 Norwood Avenue, Pekin, IL 61554.