V'Laine B. Matthews

OAKLEY - V’Laine Blatter Matthews Hawkes, age 89, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Cove Point Independent Living in Provo, Utah, with family by her side.

V’Laine was born June 26, 1927, in Lewistown, Fergas County, Montana, the daughter of Otto Jacob and Reta Arvilla Pound Blatter. She attended school in Lewistown and graduated from Fergus County High School. She continued her education at Utah State University and Idaho State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She married Hilton Pratt Matthews on Sept. 21, 1948, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They were the parents of two children, Suzanne and Paul.

She was a lifelong and stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since her conversion in 1939, holding many positions. Additionally, she served a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois, and enjoyed her many years as a temple worker.

She taught school at Oakley Elementary and retired as the school librarian. She was a gifted musician and was active in the Oakley Valley Arts Council. Through a span of many years, V’Laine planned and provided music by either playing her violin or singing at more than 400 funerals.

At the death of her husband Hilton, V’Laine was widowed many years prior to marrying Jay Pulsipher Hawkes in Ogden, Utah, on Sept. 9, 2000.

One of V’Laine’s passions, beyond her faith and her family, is music. She was an accomplished violinist and pianist. She was happiest when raising her children, being among family and friends, and providing service to those in need. V’Laine left a mark in this life that will provide fond memories for her family. She will be truly missed by all who know her.

She is survived by her children, Suzanne Matthews Buchanan (Steven) of Gunnison, Utah, and Hilton Paul Matthews (Ann) of Provo, Utah; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Raymond Eugene Blatter (Ann) of St. George, Utah.

In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Leola Martin; and her second husband, Jay P. Hawkes.

The funeral will be held at 12 noon Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Oakley LDS Stake Center, 355 N. Center Ave., in Oakley, where friends and family may call from 10:30 until 11:45 a.m. Officiating will be President David Pickett. Burial will follow at the Oakley Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.