Trecie Geneva Mathews, 96, passed away November 27, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. She was born to Milton and Stella Foster in Wichita, Kansas on May 21st, 1920.
When Trecie was 19 she contracted rheumatic fever, which affected her heart. The doctor estimated her life span to be about 20 more years. However, Trecie married (Arlie) Linn Mathews on March 13, 1943 in Norfolk, VA. While he served his country in the Navy she made her home with, Grace, an older sister in Wichita, KS.
Upon Linn’s return home in 1946 Trecie began a life time of volunteer work. First, she took care of her home and husband. But, then set about working with the Chaplin at the VA hospital in Wichita. Then added other areas in the VA to work. Soon began working also with the Red Cross volunteering in many ways, one such was to transport blood to other hospitals in KS. She was awarded a commemorative pen for 5000 hours of volunteer service. Trecie worked alongside Linn getting a shooting range set up to train young shooters how to handle firearms safely.
In 1976 Linn was sent to Phoenix, AZ by Cudahy Packing Company. After settling in, Trecie set about to volunteer. That turned out to be Meals-on-Wheels. She faithfully did that until she had to retire due to her health in 2013.
Trecie was preceded in death by her parents Milton and Stella Foster and all her siblings, Gladys, Bill, Chet, Florence, Grace, Dee Earl, Ed and Virgil. She is survived by her husband, Linn Mathews, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Friday, December 3rd, 2016 at Cross Point Church in Tempe, AZ, with visitation at 10 am and service at 11 am. Burial will be in the Hazelton Cemetery in Hazelton, Kansas on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.
A great friend in my life and one who was away strong in her faith. As the years passed and the opportunities to see each other faded, the comfort of that friendship and faith was always there.
Please accept my condolences for the passing of your dear loved one. When someone we love dies, the heartache and grief can be great. I hope that you can be comforted knowing that God cares for you and sees your pain. (1 Peter 5:7) “He is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) May you find comfort and relief during this grievous time, as you cherish the precious memories of Trecie.