Robert Mathes

Mr. Robert W. "Bill" Mathes, Bellingham resident, passed away June 11, 2005 at the age of 88. He was born to Irene and Otha Mathes on March 27, 1917 in Hills, IA, the only son of 6 children. While living on the family farm, he became acquainted with his neighbor, Shirley; they married Sept. 1, 1939 in Glendale, CA, and then they moved to Seattle. In their early years together they went to many dances. Bill worked in the drug store business and owned his own store in Bellingham with partner Gordon Poyner. They sold to Pay-N-Save in 1964 at which time Bill went to work for the Whatcom County Assessors Office until his retirement in 1982. After his retirement, he and Shirley enjoyed traveling and growing vegetables and flowers in their garden, which they always shared with their neighbors. He enjoyed bowling, dancing, listening to music, and he also sang in the Bellingham Barbershop Chorus. Bill served in the US Army and was a Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters; Mary Wilma Fountain, Jeanne Schooley, and Doris Mathes. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Mathes; sister Joyce Redding of Marysville, MO; and sister Norma Wills of Iowa City, IA and many nieces and nephews that loved their uncle Bill. Contributions in Bill's name can be made to Hospice of Whatcom County or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the loving relatives in Iowa, Tennessese and Missouri for their love and prayers which have helped sustain Bill and Shirley all of this time. Services are pending. You may share condolences in Bill's online guestbook at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
Mathes