Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Mathews Obituary
John was born in Helena on Oct. 25, 1938, to Reed and Lorraine Mathews.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Mathews; his son, Kevin (Lisa), and their children, Lauren and Peter; son, Ken (Lauri), and their children, Sunny, Dan, Luke, Hope, Nicole and Jessica; his sisters, Patricia (Delmar) Lamb, Judy (Lee) Reynolds, and Karen (Terry) Screnar; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Bill Hazen; and mother-in-law, Edith Drake.
Born the second oldest, "Johnny" as his three sisters still call him, lived his entire life in Helena. He joined the Navy at 18, served his country for four years, then returned home, where he met and married Kay Hazen, his wife of 46 years. They had two sons.
John earned an accounting degree from Carroll College. He retired as the administrator of Data Processing for the Montana Department of Justice and then joined Kay as a realtor with Century 21 Heritage Realty. John was a member of Morning Star Lodge #5, Scottish Rite and Algeria Shrine.
He loved golf, cars and travel with his wife and friends. He always said "I've never met a car I didn't like!" He especially loved his family. John was very active in Boy Scouts and the church youth group while his sons were growing up. He was happy in life and shared an infectious joy with those around him.
He was a funny, gentle, extremely giving man who will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m., at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. A reception in the basement of the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to The Friendship Center, 1430 Sanders, Helena, MT 59601; Christ Hope Orphanage, c/o Pat Bowser, 705 Kenwood Ct., Helena, MT 59601; or a charity of donor's choice. Services are under the direction of Retz Funeral Home.
Express condolences at www.legacy.com/HelenaIR.
Memories and Condolences
for John Mathews
Loretta & Rocky Brown
March 10, 2008
Kay i think John will always be with us making sure we stay happy and safe until we all meet again...we will always remember the good times we shared together...
Carol Smith
March 3, 2008
Kay and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about John. I was talking to Dona LaRose from Helena and she told me about John. Our prayers are with you and your family. You two are the best realtors ever! You sold our home in Helena.
Thinking of you.
Valerie Raisch
March 2, 2008
Karen,
My deepest sympathy to you and your brother John's family after his death in Hawaii. So sudden and unexpected, but doing what he enjoyed. Treasure all of your good memories, and know that you are in many thoughts and prayer. May God bless you all!
I miss you and all of the others in Helena and send sympathy from our home in FL. where we have been for almost 4 yrs.
Jerry and Floss Foster
February 22, 2008
Dear Kay and Family: We were so sorry to hear that we have lost John. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you all. We are sorry that we are not able to see you during this time. We are presently in Mesa, AZ
Floss and Jerry Foster
Ruby & Ron Andridge
February 21, 2008
Dear Kay and Family,
Our sincere sympathy on your loss. I met John when I was in the 7th grade and became friends with Judy. He was always a tease and funny and always wanted Judy or Karen to iron a shirt for him. The last time we saw John was a few years ago when he took such care when he helped get an appraisal and eventually sold our mother's home. He was very gentle and understanding as it was a tramatic time for her but he helped ease her fears. We really appreciated his time and effort. He was a very gentle man, he will be greatly missed.
Lovenly
Dennie Mathews- Moreno
February 20, 2008
Dear Kay and Family-
We are so sorry to hear about John. You both are so special to me. I am thinking of you all and your family is our prayers.
Love, Dennie (Mathews) Moreno
Bill and DeAnn Mathews
February 20, 2008
Kay and Family:
John was one of a kind, he always seemed happy, smiling, never a bad word about anyone or anything. Growing up we were very close and for a time I lived with the family after high school. We became even closer. I know with John it was always family first. He was a very special person. He will be missed by many.
Connie and Phil Abbott
February 18, 2008
Kay and family - we were so very sad to learn of John's passing. As other members of our family, his life ended too soon! It is evident that he lived a truly happy life and enjoyed each moment. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Janie Blakely
February 16, 2008
Kay, my heart goes out to you and your family. I'm a friend of of the family from when all of us were little squirts and my family had a ranch out in the Helena valley. It'd been a long time since I'd seen or talked to John, but there are memories I'll always hold dear. Hang in there and remember your good memories-they'll help get you through. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
David and Sherry Castleberrys
February 16, 2008
We are so sorry for John's passing. We are surely going to miss him and the help he has given us. Our prayers are with you, Kay.
Carrolle Liedle Rushford
February 15, 2008
Kay - my condolences to you and your sons in your loss. I grew up knowing Johnny, and of course went to school with you. I have only fond memories of childhood days in the sixth ward neighborhood and the times that Johnny traded comic books with my older brother, Fritz (Les) My prayer is that you hold many dear memories of your lives together. My sincerest sympathy, Carrolle Liedle Rushford
Scott & Teri Pohlman
February 15, 2008
Kay,
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing and we just want you to know that we are thinking of you.
Dorothy McCarter
February 15, 2008
Dear Kay,
John was a very special guy, and I will miss him terribly. My heart goes out to you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
Nancy Tyanich
February 15, 2008
Kay & Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about John's death. I'm glad to have met him. He seemed like a wonderful person to be with. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Peter McKinley
February 15, 2008
Please know that I am truly saddened by your loss. John brought more to a visit than many people I have ever met and I don't know too many realtors who my children ask about from time to time. Know in time that your loss will slowly be filled with memories of a life lived well.
Ken and Willie Wynn
February 15, 2008
Kay, We are friends of Karen and Terry. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this sad time in your lives. We are praying for God's comfort and send our sincere sympathy.
Carol (Beaver) & Dennis Dean
February 14, 2008
We want to express our deepest condolences, at this time of your loss.
Art Pembroke
February 14, 2008
To Kay and Family,
It is with a great amount of sadness I send my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. John was a wonderful man and mentor. His smile and understanding always said so much more than any words could. I owe him so much for how he assisted me in my career and to him I will always be greatful. It brought a smile to my face to learn he went to join the Lord only after getting in that last round. My prayers and thoughts are with you and will be with you this Saturday. If I were not down visiting my son, I would have been there to share the celebration of his life. God Bless and Keep each of you. And Kay, I send my love and a hug.
Art
shanna carter
February 14, 2008
Kay I love you and I am thinking about you. Shanna
Ed Schild
February 14, 2008
We were shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing, Kay. So very sorry. Glad we got to visit a little at the Avon Cafe last summer...looked like he LOVED that new convertible T-Bird. Our thoughts are with you, Kay.
Ed and Linda Schild
Harold Williams
February 14, 2008
Kay our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.We will miss his big smile and seeing his sparkling eyes. It is our privilage to have known you and John and being able to spend time with the both of you. We no now that he is making his famous scrambled egg's in heaven. God bless you Kay. Hang in their.
Karen and Harold
Shannon Clark
February 14, 2008
Kay,
I'm so sorry to hear about John. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kelly & Shannon
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in John Mathews's name
Memorial Events
for John Mathews
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Mathews's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
