Mary Lou Matthews

BURLEY – Please join the family in celebration of life for Mary Lou Matthews, who continued her journey on June 29, 2017, in Burley, Idaho.

Her brother, Dick Stevens; sister, Pat Fox; daughter, Terry Thomson; and sons, Dan Kelsey, Dick Kelsey, and Bill Kelsey (of William H. Kelsey-deceased) will say goodbye to the physical, leaving behind the patriotic memory of her red hair, blue eyes and white teeth of her infectious smile.

Born August 3, 1929, Mary Lou’s flag flew gallantly over the state of Idaho for 88 years, teaching hundreds of students in Eden, Naples, Declo and Burley. She attended school in Declo, graduating in 1947; then Albion Normal College, graduating in 1949, in Education. A firm believer in education, she went on to complete her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University in 1969, and ultimately earned enough continuing education credits through her 35-year career for a master’s degree equivalency.

A longtime resident of Declo and Burley, she touched the lives of many with her humor and candidness, both inside and outside the classroom. Her wit and passion for music and dance enhanced her life and those around her, leaving many on their hands and knees bent over in laughter. Her other teachings include values of honesty, respect, independence and the benefit of hard work and connectedness to community.

Mary enjoyed traveling and venture from the rivers of Idaho to the coliseums of Rome, but mostly she enjoyed her family, students and friends. Not only did she teach us how to live in harmony, she taught us how to pass with courage, dignity and grace. Our continued love for her will connect us with her spirit until such time when we meet again.

The celebration of Mary’s joining with her father and mother, John L. and Ellen Stevens; husband, Bill J. Matthews; brothers, Jack and Bill Stevens; sister, Margaret Eames; and son, John Martens in the spirit world will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Springdale chapel, 519 E. 200 S., of Burley. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the service. A private family dedication will later take place at the Declo Cemetery.