Beverly Ann Matthews

Beverly (Bev) Ann Matthews, 81, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Kingston Rehabilitation Center in Perrysburg, Ohio. Bev was battling multiple myeloma and was lovingly cared for by her husband of 58 years, Frederick (Fritz) Matthews and the entire staff at Kingston over the past few months. The family would like to acknowledge and express gratitude for the exceptional care provided. Bev was born in Buchtel, Ohio, and attended Central High School in Columbus, Ohio, class of 1955. She received a degree in education from The Ohio State University, and was a teacher for 38 years. A lifelong advocate of reading, she spent 34 years teaching in Fostoria City schools, primarily the Title 1 Reading Program to students of several grade levels. She read often, enjoying the latest books on her Kindle. Bev was a lifelong, avid Ohio State fan. She met her husband Fritz on Spring Break at the beach during college. After graduating, Bev and Fritz married and were together for 58 years, and have held season tickets for Buckeyes football for more than 60 years! Bev and Fritz have many great memories of years tailgating and having Buckeye watch parties with friends and family. Bev helped pass the love of the Buckeyes on to those who survive her: her daughter, Kimberly Matthews Gohringer, her son, Craig Benton Matthews, his wife, Lisa Syderenko Matthews, and her lovebugs (grandchildren): Cassalyn Gohringer, Bryce Matthews, Hayden Matthews and Laini Matthews. Kimberly and Cassalyn live in Mooresville, NC and Craig and family live in Oregon, Ohio. An only child, Bev was preceded in death by her mother, Cleo Barstow and her father, Elwood Barstow. Bev and Fritz were residents of Fostoria, Ohio for 34 years; they moved to Maumee in 2001. Bev loved the beach, and the family has many wonderful memories of beach trips together. Once retired, she and Fritz spent several winters in Florida. They raised their children Kimberly and Craig in Fostoria and attended First Presbyterian Church, where Bev taught youth Sunday School for many years. The family still has many friends in Fostoria, Findlay, Maumee and Florida. The Matthews family appreciates your prayers during this time, and would like to invite those who are able to attend a memorial service celebrating Bevs life. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, 220 E. Broadway Street, Maumee, OH 43537 from 10 a.m. - noon, with the service at noon, and a lunch following at the church. There will be no graveside service. If you would like to leave any messages for the family, Walker Funeral Homes (www.walkerfuneralhomes.com) will have a page for Beverly. If you choose to make a donation, please choose Hospice of Northwest Ohio at 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio, 419-661-4001. Donations made go to special fund to help families without insurance who need hospice care.