Darlea Matthew

Darlea S. Matthew passed away on Thursday March 3, 2016 at home surrounded by her family. Darlea was born in Petoskey, Mich., on Dec. 30, 1935, the daughter of Dlaskey and Esther (Hull) Whittaker. On Oct. 3, 1952, she married Larry D. Matthew in Traverse City, Mich. She was a life long resident of Walloon Lake, Mich. where her parents owned and operated Dean's Standard Station. She is survived by her husband, Larry; daughter, Debra (Marlene) Matthew; son, Mitch (Kim) Matthew; grandchildren, Perry Matthew, Travis (Alisha) Cole, Jessica (Jay) Denison, Zachary Matthew, Dani Matthew; great-grand daughter Lucy Denison; sister-in-law, Genny Whittaker and several cousins and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dean Whittaker. Darlea and Larry were founders of the Northern Michigan Antique-Flywheelers Club 29 years ago. She was instrumental in the formation of the arts and crafts demonstration area at the annual show. Darlea had a passion for preserving the skills passed down from our grandmothers. She was always a teacher and drew on the talents of her many friends to provide a wonderful part of the Flywheeler's Show. Darlea and Larry were Engine Show ambassadors traveling throughout the country attending shows and promoting the Flywheelers where their travels took them from Zolfo Springs, Fla., to across the Mackinac Bridge on their favorite Doodlebug Tractor. She always had a bobbin lace pillow, spinning wheel and carving tools packed in the motorhome ready at a moment's notice to "Travel the Allis Chalmers Trail." Throughout her lifetime, Darlea was the owner of Bannister's Needlecraft Book's, the first volunteer librarian for the Walloon Lake Community Library and a wonderful cook at the Melrose Elementary School. Her passion for the traditional arts lead her to become a master of quilting, knitting, wool handling, spinning, weaving, beadwork, bobbin lace, and carving. With a smile on her face and the love of the Lord in her heart, Darlea graced this earth with care and compassion. She will be missed by her family and friends. The Matthew Family would like to extend thanks to Hospice of Northwest Michigan, Dr. Paul Blanchard, Andrea/Alaris, and the caregivers at Harbor Care Associates. No services are planned at this time. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Northern Michigan Antique-Flywheelers P.O. Box 494, Walloon Lake, MI 49796.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.