Dee J Mathews

Dee's life began on July 15, 1934, in Newton.  She is the daughter of Clifford and Helen (Powell) Decker.  Dee is a graduate of Newton High School and attended Bethel College.  She was united in marriage to William "Bill" Mathews on December 6th, 1958, in Newton.  Dee was employed at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater for 28 years, serving as a cook and activity director.  She served as an Avon lady for over 50 years.  Dee loved to cook and bake, often giving away her delicious baked goods for bake sales and to friends.  Dee was a faithful and faith-filled member of the Whitewater Community Church, her church family was her life and sharing her faith was one of her precious gifts.  Dee was involved in the Awana program at church for over 32 years and active at the Ponca Bible Camp in Ponca, Arkansas for over 50 years.  She is survived by her loving family which includes her son Erick Mathews of Goddard, daughters Cathy Freimiller of Gas City and Marlys Mathews of Denver, CO; her grandchildren Jennifer (Jared) Conary of Wichita, Richard Freimiller of Norton, Calah Mathews of Wichita, Matthew (Charmy) Freimiller of Surf City, NC and Aaron Mathews of Goddard; great-grandchildren Hayden Freimiller, Ava Freimiller, Israel Wheeler, Lila Wheeler, Stella Freimiller and Teagan Freimiller and her sister Donna Decker of Clever, MO.  Dee passed away on July 12, 2019 at Wheat State Manor.  She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Bill.  Her family will gather with friends on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Lamb Funeral Home in Whitewater.  Her funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Whitewater Community Church led by Pastor Timothy Conner.  Dee will be laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.  Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Ponca Bible Camp Scholarships in care of Whitewater Community Church.  Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Dee at www.ymzfh.com