Mavis Matthews

DECLO – Mavis Fries Matthews, 96, passed away at her home in Declo on September 26, 2025.

She was born in Declo on September 13, 1929 to Otis Alonzo and Berniece Cahoon Fries. She was the second of ten children and learned at an early age to work and help with the family. She attended schools in Declo, graduating from high school in 1947. She was Declo through and through.

Mavis married T.R. Mike Matthews in Elko, Nevada on November 8, 1947. They made their home in Declo for the next 73 years. Together they raised seven children. Mavis taught them to cook, clean, sew, work hard, and serve others. Following her example, her children have learned to serve and care for those around them.

When the family was nearly raised, Mavis went to work as a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service. For the next 22 years she enjoyed meeting and developing friendships with the people on her routes, and often expressed her appreciation for that job.

Mavis loved collecting dolls and elephants, family camping trips, burning weeds, hot dog roasts, and her grandchildren. She was loved and respected by so many. She taught us a lot through her example of service.

Mavis is survived by her children, Sharon (Dennis) Reed of Pocatello, Sandy (Gary) Mallory of Declo, Tim (Joy) Matthews of Jerome, Pam (Lamont) Young of Declo, Casey (Jodie) Matthews of Bonner, Montana, and Laurie (Todd) Webb of Raft River; sister, Barbara Vosburg of Sparks, Nevada; brother, Gene Fries of Declo; 19 grandchildren and fifty seven great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Mike; brothers, Don, Dale, Charles, Rex, and Dean; and sisters, Merlene and Janice.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 3, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Idaho Stake Center, located at 213 W. Main St., in Declo, with Bishop Shey Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 2, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/FMBwvQmYuSE.