By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
18 Comments
    • Service

      Graveside Service
      10AM Thursday, September 24, 2020
      Moravian Cemetery, West Salem, IL

    • Full Obituary

      Betty L. Matthes, age 96 of West Salem, IL passed from this life to the next on Sunday, September 20, 2020.

      Betty was born in rural West Salem on July 18, 1924 to Victor and Daisy (Smith) Kerster.
      She married Kenneth “Kenny” Matthes on November 25, 1943 and they enjoyed almost 65 years together until his passing on July 12, 2008.

      She was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Dorothy Schilt and Wilma Holsapple,
      2 brothers, Richard and Bill Kerster, an infant sibling and a grandson, Benjamin Walker.

      Betty and Kenny were blessed with three children, who survive: Marlene (Jim) Walker of rural Albion, IL, David (Lesa) Matthes of rural West Salem and Daniel (and fiancee’ Donna Green) Matthes of Albion. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Tara (Jayare) Buerster, Amy (Kevin) Kling, Josh (Rana) Walker, Mallory (Alan) Traxler and Kayti Austin, and 13 great-grandchildren: Sydney, Hayley, Jaycey, Alex, Jackson, Baylee, Abel, Sophia, Sadie, Nastia, Mykah, Daisy and Lavender.

      Betty was a member of the Zion United Methodist Church in West Salem.
      She will be remembered for her wonderful way with growing flowers.

      A Graveside Service to commemorate the life of Betty L. Matthes will be held at 10AM on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at the Moravian Cemetery in West Salem. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery, and out of respect for the family’s wishes, those attending are asked to wear a mask. Attendees are also encouraged to dress casually.

      Memorials may be given to the Edwards County Senior Citizens, with envelopes available at the service, or they may be mailed to Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home 241 West Main St. Albion, IL 62806.

      Online condolences and fond memories may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com

      Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    18 Condolences
     
    1. Terri Hilgeman / September 20, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      So very sorry…Prayers of comfort and peace for your family…xoxoxo ❤️

      Chuck and Terri Hilgeman

    2. Cynthia Bristow / September 20, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      David, Daniel, and Marlene, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a great lady and a great neighbor!

    3. John & Jane Evans / September 20, 2020 at 10:17 pm

      David, we are so sorry for your loss.

    4. Brett & Debbie Mason / September 20, 2020 at 10:56 pm

      So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.

    5. Galen Clodfelter / September 21, 2020 at 3:02 am

      I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Betty. I have many fond memories visiting with Uncle Kenny and Aunt Betty with my family. Many hours were spent playing in the barn with family kids.
      As an adult Sonnie and I would visit with them and pick several bouquets of flowers to decorate family graves. She was a gracious lady who was very proud of her family. Her church always had fresh flowers for special occasions.

    6. Karen L. Smith / September 21, 2020 at 5:26 am

      Very sorry for the families loss, prayers and comfort to all !!

    7. Pat Longbons / September 21, 2020 at 6:06 am

      So sorry to hear the passing of your mother,David . It is a great comfort to know that she was welcomed into the arms of her savior. Roy and Pat Longbons

    8. louella kortge / September 21, 2020 at 6:59 am

      Thoughta to you folks as you cherish the memories you hold dear of your Mother as dont need to tell you how special of a person she was and always had a smile and caring,Her and i had several early morning trips to do a 12 hour shift and you could never tell it when she got off as you could see her out working in her beautiful flowers and taking boquets to the church almost every week.We need more Bettys in this world

    9. John & Deborah Godfrey / September 21, 2020 at 7:56 am

      We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers. Love, John and Deb Godfrey

    10. Quinn and Glenna Hunley / September 21, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Betty was a grand lady, always had a smile for everyone. Loved her flower beds. Raven will be blessed with her planting beautiful flowers. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

    11. Leisa Matthes / September 21, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Betty was a great lady. I remember spending time with her and Uncle Kenny and they were always so kind to me.
      Take comfort in your memories.

    12. C. Wilson / September 21, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      My thoughts and prayers are with the MATTHES FAMILY in their time of grief. Please find comfort in the words recorded in (Psalm 4:8).

    13. Curtis Ingram / September 21, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      Such a special lady. You have our sympathy.
      Curtis & Dolores Ingram

    14. joe and den couch / September 21, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      So very sorry. Our sympathy to all the family.

    15. Ann Schnitz Krejci / September 21, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      So very sorry to hear about Betty’s passing. Such a faithful member of WS UMC for decades. I remember all her pretty flower arrangements in the sanctuary.

    16. Robbin and Gary Eckel / September 22, 2020 at 1:33 pm

      Marlene, Dan, David, and families, so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!! Treasure the memories as she now lives within you. God bless you all.

    17. Danny J Lankford / September 24, 2020 at 8:54 am

      Condolences to the family of Mrs Matthes. I’m certain she was very proud of her children and their accomplishments, and the values they live by.and passed on to their children and Grandchildren.
      God Bless

    18. Edna Skidmore / September 29, 2020 at 6:27 am

      So sorry for your loss I met Betty at the nursimg home where I helped with Bingo for several years she was a speial lady!!!

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