Ruth Jones Matthews of Laurel passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Jan. 21, 1935, on the family farm in Whitesville, Del. She attended Gumboro School and graduated from Laurel High School in 1953.
She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Olan C. Matthews in 2022 and earlier by her parents, Eschol Dewey and Virgie Lonta Baker Jones, and by brothers Norman, Charles, Eschol, Jr., and Roy Jones and sister Iris Benson. She is survived by her son, Michael C. Matthews and wife Cindy, grandson Alexander and wife Kristina and great-grandchildren, Madeleine, Catherine, Thomas, and James. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Kay Jones, brother-in-law Jack Benson, numerous nieces and nephews and several close friends.
She is remembered by many as “Sam” for her years of employment with Laurel dentist Dr. William Prettyman. Ruth will also be remembered for her dedicated service at Christ U.M. Church and their Soup Ministry and for many years of involvement at the Pennsylvania Railroad House. In more recent years, she was an active member of Centenary U.M. Church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to VITAS Hospice for Ruth’s exceptional care. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, April 3, at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. Memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be made to VITAS Community Connection, 30265 Commerce Drive #202, Millsboro, DE 19966 or to the PRR Veteran Employees Association, 1 Mews Road, Milford, DE 19963. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of Hannigan-Short-Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.