FAMILY OBITUARIES
Beautiful Old Road surveyed by Hardy Clayton from Waynesboro to Lawrenceburg
Roy Francis Matthews
Eulogy Written by Desda Passarella
1993 Birthday Party at Reunion
Roy Matthews life spanned almost a century, full of accomplishment and experiences that illustrate mankind's progress over the last century. As a young man, he drove Model T cars from Louisville, KY to Loretto, TN along an unpaved Highway 43, and later spent part of his career as Superintendent for the State Highway Department improving that same Highway 43 road system. He remembered oxen-powered sawmills and rode the train from West Point, TN to Collinwood, TN during his younger days; while in his 90's he flew the jet service to Boston, Mass to visit his daughter, Peggy. He was a very proud member of the Loretto Community - Fire Chief, Lions Club Charter Member, Mayor, Citizen of the Year, Honorary Burgomasters. But he was most proud of his family and very thankful for them and their accomplishments. Roy was very blessed with lots of friends and he was a wonderful faithful friend in return. He was a very godly man, a strong believer in the Catholic faith - Knights of Columbus Charter Member and Grand Knight plus many State level K.C. Honors - Kind, gentle, caring, razor-sharp, a zest for life - all for the Glory of his God! My husband, Jim, and I became well acquainted with Roy around Granny Riddle's kitchen table when he and Uncle Henry Riddle came for late afternoon coffee. We would sit and listen to the stories and memories for hours and catch up on the day's current events. After Granny and Uncle Henry passed on, we continued our friendship with Roy by going out for catfish dinner every week or so. We never failed to enjoy the stories about the days gone by.
The story about how he proudly claimed the Model T in Louisville after the assemblyman announced it was ready by saying: Loretto Motor Company, and the adventurous drive home began! Stories about Mr. Greg O'Rear, State Commissioner of Safety,and how Roy thought of him as a brother. The story about meeting with State Senator Harlan Mathews about something Roy needed for his State Road Project. Senator Mathews wanted to know if Roy was a one "T" Mathews or and two "T" Matthews. Senator Mathews admitted he was a lazy Mathews, spelling his name with only one "T" (Roy was not a lazy Mathews. He spelled his name with two "T’s). Roy got the funds he needed for his State Road Project
He was always interested in new things, sending his first email and attending his first ballet at the age of 92. After the ballet, we spotted Senator Howard Heflin of AL in the crowd. We could tell that Roy wanted to meet him. Well, we made sure that Senator Heflin met Mr. Roy Matthews! An avid gardener and also an avid fisherman, always planning his next fishing trip! An oh, how he loved those Atlanta Braves!!!. Taking as much pride in his 90th birthday card from Ted Turner, owner of the Braves, as he did in the ones from President Clinton and Vice-President Gore. Jim and I thoroughly enjoyed our relationship with Roy. It was indeed a very special one. He gave us so much more than we gave him - namely lessons in youthfulness, love of family and friends, community pride, and godliness. Jim and I express our thanks and heartfelt appreciation to his family for sharing their Pop with us. We will truly miss him.
The story about how he proudly claimed the Model T in Louisville after the assemblyman announced it was ready by saying: Loretto Motor Company, and the adventurous drive home began! Stories about Mr. Greg O'Rear, State Commissioner of Safety,and how Roy thought of him as a brother. The story about meeting with State Senator Harlan Mathews about something Roy needed for his State Road Project. Senator Mathews wanted to know if Roy was a one "T" Mathews or and two "T" Matthews. Senator Mathews admitted he was a lazy Mathews, spelling his name with only one "T" (Roy was not a lazy Mathews. He spelled his name with two "T’s). Roy got the funds he needed for his State Road Project
He was always interested in new things, sending his first email and attending his first ballet at the age of 92. After the ballet, we spotted Senator Howard Heflin of AL in the crowd. We could tell that Roy wanted to meet him. Well, we made sure that Senator Heflin met Mr. Roy Matthews! An avid gardener and also an avid fisherman, always planning his next fishing trip! An oh, how he loved those Atlanta Braves!!!. Taking as much pride in his 90th birthday card from Ted Turner, owner of the Braves, as he did in the ones from President Clinton and Vice-President Gore. Jim and I thoroughly enjoyed our relationship with Roy. It was indeed a very special one. He gave us so much more than we gave him - namely lessons in youthfulness, love of family and friends, community pride, and godliness. Jim and I express our thanks and heartfelt appreciation to his family for sharing their Pop with us. We will truly miss him.
Kathleen Matthews Lyle
Kathy Matthews was born in Los Angeles, Ca, in 1936 and we lived in the area until 1946, when we came south. We lived and finished growing up in Alabama and Tennessee. We went our separate ways in 1953 when I graduated from High School. Kathy moved to Nashville to work upon graduation from High School in Loretto and spent many years there, working both the insurance and medical fields. She moved to Terre Haute, IN in 1971 to help me through some hard times. While in Terre Haute she worked at Columbia Records. When my life became stable again, Kathy, not wishing to be away from the south, moved to Huntsville, AL and worked for the police department.
In 1976, after I bought my home in Kansas City, MO, she came to live with where worked for two doctors and a hospital. Kansas City is where she began her career with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she was working when she retired. In 1986 an opening in the Nashville Branch of FDA became available and being ‘homesick’ for Nashville she accepted the opening. Nashville is where she retired.
Kathy loved the south and being near her extended family. She looked forward each year to the Matthews Family Reunion in Loretto. I believe she only missed one before she became too ill to travel. She enjoyed visiting cousins in AL and TN and her extended family in Kansas City and Indianapolis. It is with fond memories that we remember Kathy; and with prayers we guide her onward.
It was with great sadness we lost a dear family member when Kathy Lyle passed away this past November, 2003, just a month before her 67th birthday. She passed peacefully in her sleep, in her own bed, at home.
As most of you know, Kathy was ill most of the time since her retirement. She loved her family, loved coming to the reunions and the 2002 reunion was the last one she was able to attend.
During her two and a half retirement years she was able to visit John at the condo in Panama City, Uncle Floyd in Pensacola, several trips to Killen to see Bill and other family members and to Montgomery for Christmas Dinner at John’s. She was also at the 2001 and 2002 family reunions in Loretto, TN.
Nashville News Obituary
Kathy Lyle passed away at home in Nashville on Nov 12, 2003. She has lived in Nashville, working with FDA, since 1989. She leaves her sister, Jan McCormack, nieces and nephews in Indiana and Missouri. It is with fond memories and prayers that we remember Kathy. Memorial Service will be held at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ on Franklin Road, at 1:00, Nov 15, 2003, with cousin Jesse Clayton presiding.
In 1976, after I bought my home in Kansas City, MO, she came to live with where worked for two doctors and a hospital. Kansas City is where she began her career with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she was working when she retired. In 1986 an opening in the Nashville Branch of FDA became available and being ‘homesick’ for Nashville she accepted the opening. Nashville is where she retired.
Kathy loved the south and being near her extended family. She looked forward each year to the Matthews Family Reunion in Loretto. I believe she only missed one before she became too ill to travel. She enjoyed visiting cousins in AL and TN and her extended family in Kansas City and Indianapolis. It is with fond memories that we remember Kathy; and with prayers we guide her onward.
It was with great sadness we lost a dear family member when Kathy Lyle passed away this past November, 2003, just a month before her 67th birthday. She passed peacefully in her sleep, in her own bed, at home.
As most of you know, Kathy was ill most of the time since her retirement. She loved her family, loved coming to the reunions and the 2002 reunion was the last one she was able to attend.
During her two and a half retirement years she was able to visit John at the condo in Panama City, Uncle Floyd in Pensacola, several trips to Killen to see Bill and other family members and to Montgomery for Christmas Dinner at John’s. She was also at the 2001 and 2002 family reunions in Loretto, TN.
Nashville News Obituary
Kathy Lyle passed away at home in Nashville on Nov 12, 2003. She has lived in Nashville, working with FDA, since 1989. She leaves her sister, Jan McCormack, nieces and nephews in Indiana and Missouri. It is with fond memories and prayers that we remember Kathy. Memorial Service will be held at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ on Franklin Road, at 1:00, Nov 15, 2003, with cousin Jesse Clayton presiding.
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Maggie Beatrice Perry Clayton Heuer
90th Birthday Party
Maggie Clayton Heuer, age 92, of Melbourne, Florida, died Friday, January 11, 2008, at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida. She was a native of Lawrence County, Tennessee, a retired inspector for a manufacturing company , a homemaker, and a member of Pulaski Street Church of Christ.
Her parents were the late Richard and Virgie Perry. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Everett Clayton and Gerhard Heuer and one son, Bill Clayton.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Gail Boger (Gene) of Melbourne, Florida; Son, Jesse Clayton (Andrea) of Nashville, TN Son, Jim Clayton (Billie Dale) of Kankakee, Illinois; Daughter-in-law, Myrna Clayton of Bradley, Ill.Sister, Mary Coats of Bourbonnais, Illinois; Sister-in-law , Georgia Perry of Lawrenceburg.Cousin, Margie Beckman of Lawrenceburg; Uncle, Floyd Matthews of Florence, Al. who will be 105 Feb. 3.
Ten grandchildren:Stacy Russell (Rick) of Helen, GA; Craig Clayton (Cheryl) of Wasilla, AL; John Clayton of Urbana, IL; Ann Roe (Scott) of Springboro, OH; Cathy Smith of Kankakee, IL; Susan Martin (Kevin) of Moses Lake, WA; Greg Clayton (Da'Lynn) of Searcy, AR; Amy Ogar (Tom) of Saline, Melinda Goodwyn (Lawrence) of Murfreesboro, TN; Rogers Clayton (Jane Heather) of Jacksonville, FL; Seventeen great-grandchildren
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Ave., Lawrenceburg, Tenn., where the family will receive friends from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, January 13, 2008. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Monday, January 14, 2008 , with Jesse Clayton officiating. Interment will follow in Houser Cemetery in Lawrence County, Tennessee.
Her parents were the late Richard and Virgie Perry. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Everett Clayton and Gerhard Heuer and one son, Bill Clayton.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Gail Boger (Gene) of Melbourne, Florida; Son, Jesse Clayton (Andrea) of Nashville, TN Son, Jim Clayton (Billie Dale) of Kankakee, Illinois; Daughter-in-law, Myrna Clayton of Bradley, Ill.Sister, Mary Coats of Bourbonnais, Illinois; Sister-in-law , Georgia Perry of Lawrenceburg.Cousin, Margie Beckman of Lawrenceburg; Uncle, Floyd Matthews of Florence, Al. who will be 105 Feb. 3.
Ten grandchildren:Stacy Russell (Rick) of Helen, GA; Craig Clayton (Cheryl) of Wasilla, AL; John Clayton of Urbana, IL; Ann Roe (Scott) of Springboro, OH; Cathy Smith of Kankakee, IL; Susan Martin (Kevin) of Moses Lake, WA; Greg Clayton (Da'Lynn) of Searcy, AR; Amy Ogar (Tom) of Saline, Melinda Goodwyn (Lawrence) of Murfreesboro, TN; Rogers Clayton (Jane Heather) of Jacksonville, FL; Seventeen great-grandchildren
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Ave., Lawrenceburg, Tenn., where the family will receive friends from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, January 13, 2008. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Monday, January 14, 2008 , with Jesse Clayton officiating. Interment will follow in Houser Cemetery in Lawrence County, Tennessee.
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Evelyn Elaine Posey Matthews
Evelyn Posey Matthews, age 84, of Florence, was promoted to heaven Aug. 4, 2005, after a short illness. She was a Christian and a member of Highland Baptist Church.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 5, 2005, from 6-9 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Greenview Memorial Chapel, with burial to follow in Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating at the service will be Brother T.A. Duke and Brother Henry Melton.
Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey M. Matthews; parents, Elmer M. and Lillian C. Posey; brothers, Clyde and Leon Posey; and sisters, Edith and Edna Crutchfield.
She is survived by her sons, Hilliard Matthews and wife, Charlotte, Charles Matthews and wife, Mary Leigh, Alan Matthews and wife, Kathy, all of Florence; daughter, Anne Matthews Underwood and husband, Billy, of Muscle Shoals; grandchildren, Catherine Hewson, Michael, Laura, James, Julie and Grace Matthews; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Ashton Hewson. Other survivors include a brother, Carl Posey and wife, Evelyn, of Decatur, Ala.; and a sister, Helen Hill and husband, Carol, of Moulton.
She had a gift for helping others and always sacrificed for others, including her husband, children, family and friends. She had a great love for gospel songs, music, animals and flowers.
At the death of her husband, Aubrey, Evelyn assumed the responsibility of her young children and the continuing operation of the Matthews and Fritts Construction Co. With her good, sound advice and the help of her children, she participated in many real estate developments in the area.
Pallbearers will be Lawrence Alexander, Wayne Fritts, Norman Fleming, Shane Byrd, Michael Matthews and James Matthews.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent in her memory to Shoals Christian School or Highland Baptist Church Building Fund.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Danny McFall, Hazel Wilbanks, Tika Crowden, Joie Dawson and all those who prayed for her.
Greenview Funeral Home, of Florence, is directing.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 5, 2005, from 6-9 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Greenview Memorial Chapel, with burial to follow in Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating at the service will be Brother T.A. Duke and Brother Henry Melton.
Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey M. Matthews; parents, Elmer M. and Lillian C. Posey; brothers, Clyde and Leon Posey; and sisters, Edith and Edna Crutchfield.
She is survived by her sons, Hilliard Matthews and wife, Charlotte, Charles Matthews and wife, Mary Leigh, Alan Matthews and wife, Kathy, all of Florence; daughter, Anne Matthews Underwood and husband, Billy, of Muscle Shoals; grandchildren, Catherine Hewson, Michael, Laura, James, Julie and Grace Matthews; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Ashton Hewson. Other survivors include a brother, Carl Posey and wife, Evelyn, of Decatur, Ala.; and a sister, Helen Hill and husband, Carol, of Moulton.
She had a gift for helping others and always sacrificed for others, including her husband, children, family and friends. She had a great love for gospel songs, music, animals and flowers.
At the death of her husband, Aubrey, Evelyn assumed the responsibility of her young children and the continuing operation of the Matthews and Fritts Construction Co. With her good, sound advice and the help of her children, she participated in many real estate developments in the area.
Pallbearers will be Lawrence Alexander, Wayne Fritts, Norman Fleming, Shane Byrd, Michael Matthews and James Matthews.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent in her memory to Shoals Christian School or Highland Baptist Church Building Fund.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Danny McFall, Hazel Wilbanks, Tika Crowden, Joie Dawson and all those who prayed for her.
Greenview Funeral Home, of Florence, is directing.
Jimmy Farris Matthews
Funeral services for Jimmy Farris Matthews, Waynesboro, were conducted Sunday, December 30 at 1:30pm at the Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Waynesboro with Mike Hammonds officiating. Burial followed in Ralph Cole Cemetery in Waynesboro. Mr. Matthews died Friday, December 28, at Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro.
Margie Marie McClaren Beckman
Margie Marie McClaren Beckman, age 92 of Lawrenceburg TN passed away Friday, September 19, 2008 at NHC Healthcare of Hillview in Columbia TN. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and a native of West Point Tennessee, although she lived most of her life in Lawrenceburg TN. Margie was born March 16, 1916 to Neil F. and Nora Matthews McClaren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Aloysius G. “Stick” Beckman and one son Robert “Bobby” Beckman. Margie was very close to her cousin Maggie Heuer of Melbourne Florida, who; also age 92, passed away January 11, 2008.
Margie’s brothers passed several years ago: Hershel Paul “Dusty” McClaren of West Point TN; Willie Cole McClaren of South Carolina; J. C. McClaren of Lawrenceburg TN
Margie is survived by three daughters: Doris Morris and husband Pat; June Sandrell and husband Roy, all of Lawrenceburg. TN; Betty Beuchner and husband Dave of Memphis.
Two sons; Sylvester “Lester” Beckman and wife Joyce; and Jimmy Beckman and wife Lois, all of Lawrenceburg.
Twenty-eight grandchildren, fifty-two great grandchildren, eighteen great great-grandchildren and one great great-great grandchild also survive; as well as one very dear cousin, Mary Coats of Bradley Illinois.
Rosary service for Margie Marie McClaren Beckman was conducted at Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Sunday, September21st at 7pm. The family received friends from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services were conducted at the church on Monday September 22, 2008, at 10:30am with Father Mark Beckman (grandson) and Father Joseph Mundakal officiating.
Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery on Mahr Avenue, Lawrenceburg TN. Family requested that memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.Neal Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements; condolences may be sent by way of its website.
She was preceded in death by her husband Aloysius G. “Stick” Beckman and one son Robert “Bobby” Beckman. Margie was very close to her cousin Maggie Heuer of Melbourne Florida, who; also age 92, passed away January 11, 2008.
Margie’s brothers passed several years ago: Hershel Paul “Dusty” McClaren of West Point TN; Willie Cole McClaren of South Carolina; J. C. McClaren of Lawrenceburg TN
Margie is survived by three daughters: Doris Morris and husband Pat; June Sandrell and husband Roy, all of Lawrenceburg. TN; Betty Beuchner and husband Dave of Memphis.
Two sons; Sylvester “Lester” Beckman and wife Joyce; and Jimmy Beckman and wife Lois, all of Lawrenceburg.
Twenty-eight grandchildren, fifty-two great grandchildren, eighteen great great-grandchildren and one great great-great grandchild also survive; as well as one very dear cousin, Mary Coats of Bradley Illinois.
Rosary service for Margie Marie McClaren Beckman was conducted at Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Sunday, September21st at 7pm. The family received friends from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services were conducted at the church on Monday September 22, 2008, at 10:30am with Father Mark Beckman (grandson) and Father Joseph Mundakal officiating.
Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery on Mahr Avenue, Lawrenceburg TN. Family requested that memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.Neal Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements; condolences may be sent by way of its website.
William Frank (Sharp) Matthews
Sharp, Floyd, and John in Napa, CA
The following obituary was printed in the Democrat Union Newspaper on April 6, 1972:
William Frank Matthews 71, of 302 Buffalo Road, Lawrenceburg TN; retired watchmaker died Friday, March 31, 1972 after a short illness. Native of Lawrence County TN, Veteran of WWII, member VFW and American Legion Post 146.
Parents were the late John and Callie Day Matthews. Funeral service was Saturday April 1st at Freemon Funeral Home with Steve Hill officiating.
Burial in the Ethridge Masonic Cemetery. Freemon Funeral Home in charge.
Widow Geneva Matthews, Lawrenceburg, daughters Janice Matthews McCormack and Kathleen Matthews Lyle. Two half-brothers Elmer and John Martin, both of Ethridge.
Transcript of the above obituary is in the Lawrence County, TN Archives.
William Frank Matthews 71, of 302 Buffalo Road, Lawrenceburg TN; retired watchmaker died Friday, March 31, 1972 after a short illness. Native of Lawrence County TN, Veteran of WWII, member VFW and American Legion Post 146.
Parents were the late John and Callie Day Matthews. Funeral service was Saturday April 1st at Freemon Funeral Home with Steve Hill officiating.
Burial in the Ethridge Masonic Cemetery. Freemon Funeral Home in charge.
Widow Geneva Matthews, Lawrenceburg, daughters Janice Matthews McCormack and Kathleen Matthews Lyle. Two half-brothers Elmer and John Martin, both of Ethridge.
Transcript of the above obituary is in the Lawrence County, TN Archives.
Pictured with his wife, Grace Marie Matthews Reeves
Johnny Joe Reeves
Passed away November 22, 1012. He was born December 18, 1933 in Darden TN. His Funeral Mass was given at St. Ignatius in Antioch, TN on December 3, 2012, at 11:00am by Rev. John Henrick. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery on Dec 3, 2012 at 12:30 pm
From the Nashville Tennessean
Johnny Joe Reeves, Age 78 of Nashville,TN, passed away November 22, 2012. Survived by his wife, Grace Reeves; daughter, Dannette (Ken) Waugh; sons, Marvin (Tonya) Reeves and Mike (Cathy) Reeves; sisters, Doris (Harold) Griggs and Janice (Spurgeon) Bradfield; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2012 at The St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church with Rev. John Henrick officiating. Visitation with the family will be 2 hours prior to the service. Internment will follow 12:30 p.m. at the Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St.Thomas Heart Foundation, 4220 Harding Road Nashville, TN 37205.
Passed away November 22, 1012. He was born December 18, 1933 in Darden TN. His Funeral Mass was given at St. Ignatius in Antioch, TN on December 3, 2012, at 11:00am by Rev. John Henrick. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery on Dec 3, 2012 at 12:30 pm
From the Nashville Tennessean
Johnny Joe Reeves, Age 78 of Nashville,TN, passed away November 22, 2012. Survived by his wife, Grace Reeves; daughter, Dannette (Ken) Waugh; sons, Marvin (Tonya) Reeves and Mike (Cathy) Reeves; sisters, Doris (Harold) Griggs and Janice (Spurgeon) Bradfield; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2012 at The St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church with Rev. John Henrick officiating. Visitation with the family will be 2 hours prior to the service. Internment will follow 12:30 p.m. at the Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St.Thomas Heart Foundation, 4220 Harding Road Nashville, TN 37205.
Mary Hazel McGee Boswell
Kankakee, IL resident Mary Hazel Boswell, 88, passed away Monday - October 3, 2011 - at Manor Care Health Services in Kankakee, IL. Mary Hazel was born Nov 11, 1922 in Lawrence County, TN (Knob Creek Area), the daughter of Everett E. and Bertha Jane (Perry) McGee. She was married to James W Boswell for 67 years at the time of his death in 2006. A son, David Ross, died in an automobile accident at age 13.
Mary was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and, until last year, as an active member of the Bourbonnais Church of Christ. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to have fun and was a good friend to many. She play the guitar, enjoyed genealogy and was proud of her Irish-Indian heritage.
Mary was an excellent cook, and one could depend on being well-fed when visiting her home. Until her last minute on Earth she was protective of her extended brood and must have said it a million times, "Call me when you get there:. She took her first airplane ride at age 85 and then became a frequent flier.
Mary Hazel was the mother of six children. She is survived by Dewey (Paula) Boswell and Ginger (Frank) Sutter, both of Kankakee; Dolton (Cheryl Boswell of Manteno, Elain (David Shestokas, of Lemont and Connie (Michael) Fischer, of Phoenix, AZ. Mary has 27 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. & 2011 at the Church of Christ in Bourbonnais. Burial followed at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Aroma Township.
Mary was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and, until last year, as an active member of the Bourbonnais Church of Christ. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to have fun and was a good friend to many. She play the guitar, enjoyed genealogy and was proud of her Irish-Indian heritage.
Mary was an excellent cook, and one could depend on being well-fed when visiting her home. Until her last minute on Earth she was protective of her extended brood and must have said it a million times, "Call me when you get there:. She took her first airplane ride at age 85 and then became a frequent flier.
Mary Hazel was the mother of six children. She is survived by Dewey (Paula) Boswell and Ginger (Frank) Sutter, both of Kankakee; Dolton (Cheryl Boswell of Manteno, Elain (David Shestokas, of Lemont and Connie (Michael) Fischer, of Phoenix, AZ. Mary has 27 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. & 2011 at the Church of Christ in Bourbonnais. Burial followed at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Aroma Township.