Elizabeth Matthews

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Elizabeth Wing Matthews, 90, of Sikeston died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Sikeston Convalescent Center.

She was born Jan. 7, 1923, in Elgin, Ill., daughter of Claude Pierce and Olive Bucklin Wing.

In addition to her parents, She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Elizabeth was an active participant in her husband's businesses of farming, banking and cotton ginning. She shared his love of the outdoors, and passed their appreciation of camping and the woods on to their children. She was actively involved in all aspects in the Sikeston community, including the Park Board, Little Theater, Community Concerts, League of Women Voters, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at Rollins College, Winter Park, Fla., as well as affiliated with St. Louis Artists Guild, St. Louis Art Museum and Asian Art Society of Washington University.

She was an artist, an avid reader, a pianist and formerly a licensed pilot. She was a recognized collector of religious art and relics from her travels around the world; her works were displayed at Southeast Missouri State University for a special show. She was valedictorian of her Central High School Senior Class at Rockford, Ill. She was keenly active in establishing voter registration in Scott County. Her greatest pride in life, however, was her children, grandchildren and in her later years, her four great-grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Robert Scott Matthews Jr. (Karen) of Sikeston, Patrick Joseph Matthews (Pavitra Wolf) of Kungsangen, Sweden; a daughter, Dr. Elizabeth M. Brunt (Dr. L. Michael) of St. Louis; five grandchildren, Stephanie M. Lillios (Nicholas) of Cleveland, Tenn., Robert S. Matthews III of Onalaska, Wis.; Suzanne M. Escue (Nathan) of Nashville, Tenn., Eric M. Brunt (Lindsey) of St. Louis, Timothy S. Brunt of San Antonio; and four great-grandchildren, Hunter Joseph Matthews, William Alexander Lillios, Nicholas Scott Lillios and Avery Layne Brunt.

Mrs. Matthews' family would like to thank the caregivers that gave such support, love and care to her during her ailment. She loved you like family, and we are deeply appreciative to you. We also would like to acknowledge the remarkable assistance given to her and to us by Four Oaks Hospice caregivers. Your compassion and strength is admirable. To family and friends, we thank you all for your love and support through the years.

Visitation will be from noon until time of service at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Ponder Funeral Home. All are welcome to join in our celebration of our mother's life and legacy. The Rev. Suzanne Wolfenbarger, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the charity of your choice or to Missouri Delta Medical Center, 1108 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801; or Four Oaks Hospice, 1615 West Business Highway 60, Dexter, MO 63841; or Three Rivers Endowment Trust, 2080 Three Rivers Blvd., Room 214, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Online condolences may be sent at ponderfuneralhome.com.