Obituary of Karen Jacqueline Matthews

Karen Jacqueline Stonely Matthews was born to Leonard Day and Tildora Hranac on May 9, 1939, and passed away November 9, 2017. She grew up in a single parent home and spent many summers with her Uncle Jake and Aunt Rose Schlund. She attended St. Edward's school until her mother married Kenneth Tucker when she was twelve. They lived on the Tucker farm near Filer while she attended Filer Schools. She graduated from Filer High School in 1957. She went to BYU where she met Larry Stonely. They were married in 1959 in Burley. To this union Scott and Steven were born. She was a stay at home mom until the boys went to school. Then she commuted to Idaho State University and received her degree in Elementary Education. She taught elementary grades in Burley before she received her degree. The family moved to Twin Falls where she taught at Robert Stuart and finished her career after teaching second grade at Morningside Elementary for twenty-five years. She was a wonderful teacher as evidenced by the many students who considered her their favorite teacher. It was at Morningside where she met Carolyn Johnson who became her lifelong best friend and fellow second grade teacher. Larry died in September 1986. In July of 1988 she became reacquainted with Carrol Matthews at a high school reunion. They began dating and were married on November 19, 1988. In 2001 Karen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which was devastating to both of them. She remained at her home until her death being cared for by Carrol and Visions Hospice. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a caring and dedicated teacher who loved her students and teaching. She fought a valiant and very long battle against Alzheimer's. Her determination and courage were amazing. The family would like to thank Visions Hospice for the loving and wonderful care she received while on Hospice for over four years. In particular thanks goes to Kathy, Kathleen, Lori, Ginger and Melissa. She was preceded in death by Larry, her parents, Scott, step-parents, and one half-sister. She is survived by her husband, brother-in-law Charles (Marilyn), sister-in-law Nora, Steven(Soraya), her brother Tony(Becky) stepson Mike (Beth), stepdaughter Angela, nine grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, two stepbrothers, her former daughter-in-law, Jacquie (Michael), stepbrother Steve (Nancy) one stepsister and one step brother, and ten nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you make a donation to Visions Hospice in Karen's name. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home on November 17, 2017 at 2:00PM. No public viewing will be held. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com