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VENITA MATHEWS

VENITA MATHEWS

Lora Venita Mathews, 98, died on April 7, at the Colorado home of her daughter, Donna Swala. From her birth in St. Catherine, MO, on May 2, 1920, to her recent passing, she provided the people around her with love, kindness and humor. She was the fourth child (of eleven) born to George and Lora (Warren) Francis. After graduating from Brookfield High School, she attended college in St. Joseph before moving to California in 1940. She married Donald Mathews, a Woolstock native, in 1942. They made their home in San Diego until moving to the family farm in 1946. In addition to farming, the couple and their children kept busy with livestock and enjoyed large vegetable and flower gardens.

Venita worked as a private duty caregiver and at Morton’s Manufacturing. She returned to college in 1970, earning her LPN degree. After graduation, she worked several years at Crestview Manor before accepting a position at Woodward State Hospital. She retired in 1986 and moved to King City, MO.

Venita was devoted to her children and family and experienced great joy spending time with them. She maintained her great sense of humor throughout her life, delighting all with her quick wit. She was an avid reader, accomplished seamstress and quilting enthusiast. She enjoyed shopping, traveling and collecting antiques. She was proud that she was able to live independently and “push mow” her lawn until breaking her hip in 2016.

Left to honor Venita and cherish her love are her children: Diane Huff, John Mathews (Katey), Chichi Mosher (Kelly), Christanna Ford, Donna Swala, Alisa Mathews (Doyce Spangler), and Jill D’Aoust. Locally, she is survived by a Grandson, Dan Casey and his family.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering for family members this summer.