Ann Harper Matthews-Martell

OAKLEY – Ann Harper Matthews-Martell, age 92, of Oakley, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, in Idaho Falls.

Ann was born on Sept. 14, 1921, in Oakley, Idaho, the daughter of William Taylor and Olive Vilate Wilson Harper. She received her education in Oakley and graduated from Oakley High School. She then attended Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. She later transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. She married Bill Matthews, and as educators, they lived in Marsh Valley, Idaho, where Ann taught physical education and home economics at McCammon High School. They then returned to the Mini-Cassia area where they both worked for the Minidoka County School District. Ann and Bill later divorced.

Ann first taught at the Washington School in Rupert prior to moving to Minico High School where she taught English, was the cheerleading adviser, and later served in the administration as the high school counselor. Because she was never able to have children of her own, her students became her children. Like any parent, Mrs. Matthews-Martell wanted each and every student to be a success in life. Each morning she would leave her home in Oakley at the crack of dawn so that she was prepared and available to teach and help each student. She demanded respect and by example taught the value of hard work and receiving a good education. Her colleagues knew of her tenacious personality and Ann earned their admiration. Upon her retirement from Minico, Ann worked as the school counselor in Oakley for several years.

After many years of being single, Ann met Clive Martell. They fell in love, were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in 1986, and enjoyed a wonderful life together until his passing in 1998.

Ann was an active member of the LDS Church and served faithfully throughout her life. It wasn't unusual for her to give service wherever she went, especially up and down the valley she loved so much. She and Clive served as missionaries in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission and thoroughly enjoyed working with the Native Americans. Ann sang for many years with the Sweet Adelines in Burley and created long and lasting friendships with the members of this organization.

She liked to golf and bowl in her younger years and was an outstanding oil paint artist. She loved to travel and literally saw the world over. One can’t help but remember her affinity with Honda Civic cars and her fastidious appearance. While teaching and counseling in school, Ann always wore a dress and looked professional in every way.

She is survived by a sister-in-law, Louise Harper of Essex, Mass.; one brother-in-law, Harvey E. Killian of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews who truly loved and cherished her. Ann was blessed to have a great-nephew, Trent Donaldson, who was more like a son to her and lived with her during the final years of her life. He truly was an angel and helped her manage everything.

Ann's celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at the Oakley LDS Stake Center, 355 N. Center Ave., with Bishop Doug Pickett officiating. Burial will be in the Oakley Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.