Amelia R. Mathews

Amelia R. Mathews November 28, 1921 - April 6, 2014 Amelia R. Mathews, 92, of Waco, Texas, earned her Angel Wings on Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Ridgecrest Retirement Center. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Brad Brittain officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Amelia was born November 28, 1921, in Waco, to Dee S. Ripley and Mary Rowlett Ripley. She was a devoted Methodist and belonged to several organizations in the church. She attended Bell's Hill Elementary, South Jr. High and old Waco High School, graduating in January, 1939. She attended Four-C Business College in Waco, worked several places in Waco, until her marriage in August, 1946, to W.L. Mathews, when she became a "stay-at-home wife and mother". In 1967, she returned to work for Travelers Insurance Claims Office, Waco, for 15 years. Later she worked part-time for 11 years at North Waco Baptist Church. Amelia was a Methodist, belonging to several churches in Waco. Then in 1988, she was on the planning group to help Brookview UMC, St. John's UMC and Trinity UMC merge into Central United Methodist Church. She held offices in her church and on the District and Conference levels. Also, she was active in United Methodist Women, serving 14 years, four as President, of Waco/District, then several years on Central Texas United Methodist Women's Team. Within the local church she became a Certified Lay Speaker. She was also a 15 year member of International Training in Communication formerly Toastmistress Organization holding all offices there. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Shelby Ripley; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Mathews; and her beloved animals, Little Miss Nosey and Trixie. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Boyd and husband, David, of Waco; a son, Jimmie L. Mathews of Eddy, Texas; five grandchildren, Tammy Brown and husband, B.J., of Waco, Stacy Duran of Morgans Point, Randy Mathews and wife, Shelly, of Valley Mills, Stephanie Hoke and husband, Chris, of Eddy, and Alicia Mathews of McGregor; 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Gelb of Vincennes, Indiana; brother, Joe Ripley and wife, Lena, of Livingston, Texas; and beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. John D. Kosarek from Hillcrest Midway Clinic, Dr. Sibal from Baylor Scott & White Hospital of Waco, Ridgecrest Retirement Center, Bluebonnet Hospice and many beloved friends. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society or charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.whbfamily.com.