Ellen Matthews

Ellen Washburn Matthews died following a short illness on January 19, 2019 at Boulder Park Terrace Nursing Facility.  She was born on September 20, 1923 in Royal Oak, Michigan, the daughter of Albert Washburn and Anna (Miller) Washburn.

Mom graduated from Redford union High School Class of 1942.  On April 14, 1943 she married Charles Gordon “Bud” Matthews, and remained married for 70 years until his death in 2013.

They made their home in Farmington and Wolverine Lake, Michigan where they raised four children, until their move to Charlevoix in 1972.  Mom loved being a homemaker, and worked various jobs throughout her life, retiring from JC Penny’s in Petoskey.

In later years Mom enjoyed riding their horses, camping, deer hunting, playing cards and golfing.

In October 2012 Mom moved into American House, an Independent Living Community which she loved.  The family would like to thank the facility and staff for the love shown to Mom during her stay.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters Kathleen Moored, Laurel Roote, Ramona Fox and their spouses.

Mom is survived by her children Barry (Suzie) Matthews of Levering, MI; Kerry (Sandra) Matthews of Flushing, MI; Kim (Maria) Matthews of Port Townsend, WA; Judy (Michael) Wheat of Charlevoix, MI; 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service and interment at Greenwood Cemetery are planned for a later date.

Arrangements have been handled by the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes in Charlevoix.