Patricia L Charlton Matthews, 92, of Springfield, Mo, went home Wednesday morning, Christmas eve, peacefully in her sleep at home. She was born June 2, 1922, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Orville Ray Charlton and Leona Bohac Charlton. Pat graduated from Joplin High School in 1941 where she met the love of her life Jim Matthews on a band trip. Pat and Jim were married November 22, 1941. They joked that she learned a PHT (Putting Hubby Through) degree when she worked in the agriculture department while Jim worked on his degrees. They settled in Springfield, Mo, where she was active with her church, PTA, Girl Scouts, the Cerebral Palsy Center, Bridge Club, Supper Club, and many other activities. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren remember her sweet spirit and enormous love for them. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, sister Elizabeth (Betty) Sayers, and her beloved husband of 70 years. She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Brumfield; son, John Matthews and wife Karen; grandchildren, Patricia Holliday, Chris Kerr and and wife JoNeita, Richard Brumfield and wife Danielle, Jennifer Matthews Greer and husband Steven, and David Matthews; great grandchildren, Megan Holloway and husband Drew, Morganne Garcia, Marla Garcia, Miriam Garcia, Bethaney Kerr, and Dallas Greer; and great great grandchildren, Malachi Holloway and expected great great granddaughter Harper Holloway. She is also survived by her nieces Lynn White, Patricia Hartman, Diana Zimmerman, Mimi Grozinger, and their families. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, Greater Mo Chapter, 1630 W Elfindale, Springfield, Mo, 65807. Services will be held at 11 am on Monday, December 29, 2014, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 East Bennett Street, Springfield, Mo, 65804. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, from 5-7 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. The family would like to thank her Oxford caregivers and friends from Holy Trinity who helped her continue her activities.
