Helen Matthews

HELEN KETCHUM MATTHEWS, 100, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025 at her home in Wayne, WV with her daughter, Elaine, by her side.
Helen was born on March 31, 1925 in Wayne to the late Hugh and Dilla Ketchum. A 1943 salutatorian graduate of Wayne County High School, she completed her higher education at West Virginia University in three years with a major in accounting. Upon interviewing for accounting positions and being told "we don't hire women," she returned to Wayne County where she began her career as a teacher, guidance counselor, and supervisor for the school system.
She wore many hats at Wayne High where she taught typing, business math, bookkeeping, and girls' basketball (with help from husband, Ray) to name a few. She participated as the cheerleading advisor, yearbook/newspaper sponsor, and directed school plays.
On completion of her master's degree at Marshall University in school counseling, she continued to support thousands of students for over 35 years as an educator. She was much loved by her students and their families and the feeling was mutual.
An engaged community and political figure, Helen served on multiple boards including the Wayne Library Board and as the Democratic Ballot Commissioner. A lifelong Democrat and supporter of women's rights and equality, she voted in every election since 1944.
Helen's deep devotion to her faith was evident in her membership at the Wayne Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church where she taught Sunday school and played piano. After the church closed, she continued her worship at Vinson Memorial Christian Church.
Although her faith, career, and civic duty were important, her passion was her love for her family. especially her granddaughters, McKenzie and Mary Kate. Whether it was babysitting or attending their theater productions, Helen was a proud "Nana" who bragged fervently and frequently about her girls.
Last but certainly not least, Helen enjoyed cheering on the WV Mountaineers in football and basketball. She loved providing friends and family with unvarnished opinions of each play call.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, John Rayburn Matthews, brothers, George Bernard Ketchum and Bill Ketchum, beloved nephew, Franky Ketchum, and best friends, Betty Newman and Pilar Harrison.
She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Matthews Young, granddaughter, Mary Katherine Young, granddaughter, McKenzie Young and her husband Charles, and great-granddaughter, Fiona Raye. She is also survived by a special niece (her twin), Kathy Ketchum Herbst, "adopted" son Gary Thompson, her "adopted" daughter, Claudia "Candy" Newman Nicholls, close friend, Josh Meredith and his partner Jeremy, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Helen's amazing caretakers, Anna Holland, Holly Winkler, Melissa Clark, Betty Stephens, and Judy Christian who tirelessly provided excellence in care over the last decade. Many thanks to Dr. Kevin Yingling who provided his utmost care and support for over 35 years and to Hospice in her later years. Finally, Helen and her family thank the community of Wayne, who always pitched in to provide help whenever she needed them.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Wayne, WV. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wayne Public Library. Attn: Mark Esslinger, P.O. 567, Wayne, WV 25570.