Mary Alice Mathews, age 79, longtime resident of Coupeville, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002. She goes to join her husband of nearly 60 years, Dale H. Mathews, who passed away Jan. 20, 2000.

Mary was born in Onyx, Idaho, on Oct. 2, 1922, to John and Irene Andrews. She lived her childhood and young life in Inkom, Idaho. Mary loved school and did well in all her subjects. She loved to read and always had a book in her hand. She played clarinet in the school band and played on the girls’ basketball team.

Mary married Dale Mathews on Oct. 22, 1940, and they had two children, a son Dale Eugene Mathews of Coupeville and Marilyn Alice Heller of Coupeville.

Mary was the oldest of four living children. She is survived by a sister, Josie Curzon of Portland, Ore., another sister, Ruth Avers of Renton and a brother Vernon Andrews of Weiser, Idaho.

When health permitted, Mary lived an active life working as a bookkeeper for many years, several years at the Navy Exchange in Oak Harbor. She loved to fish, crochet, knit and do all kinds of canning and crafts. Mary and her husband Dale could be seen taking many walks together.

Mary is also survived by seven grandchildren, Michael Mathews of Black Lake, Ginger Campbell of DesMoines, Shanna Hyatt of Puyallup, Derrick Heller of Derry, N.M., Aaron Heller of Everett, Kelly Lavigueure and Brian Heller, both of Granite Falls; also by 15 great-grandchildren, Nola, Cara, Kayla, Megan, Xoche, Jarron, Nathan, Sarah, Trentin, Michael, Dominic, Brock, Sandrea, Cody and Sabrina. In addition to her husband, Mary has also been preceded in death by one great-grandchild, Olivia.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 18, at 3:30 p.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.