Barbara J. Matthews

Barbara Matthews passed away peacefully on November 8, 2018. she was born in Toledo on May 20, 1932, the daughter of George H. and Olga. V. (Carlson) Simmons. Barb graduated from Maumee High School and worked for Panhandle Pipeline, where she met Melvin Matthews, the love of her life. Family was extremely important to Barb. She taught Sunday School, Kindergarten, Head Start, and Preschool, before assisting Mel in the family business, Simmons Nursery and Landscape, Inc. (aka Simmons Landscape and Irrigation). For over 35 years, Barb was a welcoming presence at Simmons, working first with Mel and later with son, Dave. Barb and Mel enjoyed vacationing in Florida and traveling to all fifty states. Barb enjoyed golf, dancing, knitting, movies, and baking cookies for the grandkids. Until her death, Barb diligently sent birthday cards to Veterans for American Legion Post #335, where she was an honorary member. Her passion was gardening, which she was able to enjoy until recently. Barbara is preceded in death by husband, Melvin, parents, brother Jack Simmons, and granddaughter Andrea Matthews. She is survived by her daughter Deborah Matthews, sons David (Denise) Matthews and Jeffery (Susie) Matthews, grandchildren Nathan (Holly) Matthews, Sara (Joseph) Okum, Zoe (Misha) Davydov, and Hal Matthews, six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to thank the staff and residents at Astor House and Spring Meadows for the friendship, care and support which Barbara received during her stay. Friends and Family will be received on Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 3-8 P.M. at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St, Maumee, OH. Additional visitation will be on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 10-11 A.M. at Providence Lutheran Church with Funeral Service starting at 11 A.M. Donations in Barbaras name may be made to Providence Lutheran Church, 8131 Airport Highway, Holland, OH 43528. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.