Elizabeth `Betty` Matthews
Elizabeth `Betty` Matthews , Age 90
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our much-loved and loving mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Joan Matthews of Baraboo. Betty died suddenly and unexpectedly at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison on May 20, 2023. The world will miss her natural grace and humble respect for everyone she encountered. One of ten Lammers kids who grew up on a farm in S.D., Betty learned how to listen, work hard, and not complain. While her mother Ann tended the flock, her father Joseph went from a struggling S.D. farmer to the successful owner of a Hamms Beer distributorship where Betty worked in her young adult life. Her dad attended church daily, and Betty admired his faith and business sense. In 1950, he left the farm to his oldest son and moved most of the family to a big house on a hill overlooking Sioux Falls' Cathedral of St. Joseph, where she would marry Dick Matthews in 1956. As Dick began his career as a teacher, principal, coach, then textbook salesman, the family moved from Montrose S.D., to Delevan, Minn., and finally to Baraboo where they settled in 1966. While raising six children, Betty worked several jobs to help support her family. She ran a wallpapering business in Baraboo with a good friend and business partner, and also worked as a bookkeeper at the Devi-Bara Resort near Devil's Lake after her youngest child was born in 1971. She earned her real estate license in 1983, and for the next 25 years her name appeared on McGann Realty signs all over town. She inherited her father's work ethic, but always credited Jim McGann with encouraging her to dive into a career she loved. Those to whom she sold houses continue to comment generously about how pleasant it was to work with her, and she always spoke the same way about them. Every house sold meant a new friendship to her. Betty swung a golf club like she lived with graceful ease. She was a helluva' golfer (as Dick would have said) who could get surprisingly upset with herself for errant shots. Betty and Dick encouraged golf with their kids who will always cherish the memories of playing with them. Golf also led to many long friendships for Betty. Wednesday Ladies' Days provided years of fun and laughter for her along with all the other shenanigans of couple's golf and BCC social events. Nurtured by her parents and her Catholic school education, she developed a strong faith. Regularly attending St. Joseph's church in Baraboo was an essential part of her life and happiness. There was always a rosary near her bedside and a wooden cross on her wall. She possessed a peaceful calm that her relationship with God provided for her. He ultimately showed her great mercy at the end of her life. Betty showed us all how to live, with faith, love, laughter, and wholesome human warmth, while sprinkling everything with as much charm and grace (and humor!) as one can muster. Eternal thanks to Betty from her devoted family and hugs to all her friends for their love and kindness.
Betty is survived by her six children, Julie (Dan Goff) Matthews, Baraboo, Wis.; Richard "Matt" (Cindy) Matthews, Baraboo; Joan (Chris) Rath, Baraboo; David (Peggy) Matthews, Houston, Texas; Lynn (Greg Hummel) Reifsteck, Ketchum, Idaho; Paula (Jamie) Mercer, Carlsbad, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; her beloved sister, Ellie Sabers of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and her always humorous little brother, Edward Lammers of S.D.
Service is at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo on June 23, 2023 with visitation from 9:00 11:00 a.m. with mass at 11:00 a.m. Betty regularly supported three organizations, if anyone would like to do the same in her name: Sauk County Children's Giving Tree, Special Olympics Wisconsin, St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Condolences
Brenda Emery May 31, 2023
Friend North Freedom
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. May you find comfort & peace during this difficult time. Your mom had a great life & now is reunited with your dad, family members & friends.... hallelujah!! Love you all...Brenda Emery🩵ðŸ™ðŸ’™â˜®ï¸
Annette Grossenbacher June 01, 2023
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My deepest sympathy. Betty was so kind and caring. Always with a smile.
Alex & Angela Schindler June 01, 2023
Cousins Waxahachie , Texas
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family and friends. Mya the Lord provide comfort and strength during this time. Hugs! God Bless. The Schindler's
Tammy Bates June 02, 2023
Friend Baraboo
So very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you all. She was a beautiful lady and a blessing to our community!
Mike Nate June 02, 2023
Family Friend Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
Sorry to hear. I will add the Mattews family to my prayers list. Great family, sorry for your loss
Father Raymond Dischler June 03, 2023
Chaplain madison , Wisconsin
Dear loved ones of Elizabeth, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy over your loss. When I was director of pastoral care and chaplain at St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo (December 1979 - June 1987), Elizabeth and her family often came to Mass at the hospital chapel. Elizabeth and you are being remembered in my Masses and other prayers. Fr. Ray Dischler
Sandy Jopp June 04, 2023
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
It broke my heart to lose Dick and now it breaks my heart to lose Betty. She was such a sweetheart and so was Dick. I loved them both. My heart goes out to the Matthews family.
Tracy Reynolds June 04, 2023
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Joan and family, I am sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. Her grace and humor will live on in each of you. Sending heartfelt love and prayers.
Frank Andreas June 04, 2023
Friend Waunakee
My deepest condolences, Betty was a very nice person. She raised such an amazing family.
June Anderson June 05, 2023
Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin
I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the Matthews family. Your mother/grandmother/sister/wife was a very special woman with a heart of gold. I send healing thoughts and prayers to all.
Jody Stowe & Steve Magliano June 06, 2023
Friend Hatteras , North Carolina
Dearest Lynn, Thinking of you â¤ï¸ Jody & Steve
Ruth Steinhorst June 06, 2023
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Condolences, prayers and thoughts to you all. It's so darn hard to say goodbye to a loved one. Hold tight to your beautiful memories.
Sharon Maffei June 10, 2023
friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
One of the first ladies I met when moving to Baraboo, Betty was so gracious,and kind. Always enjoyed our visits. Blessings to your entire family.
SHELLY MCGANN June 21, 2023
Friend Scottsdale , Arizona
My mom and I are sorry for your loss and sending thoughts and prayers! Betty was one of a kind and a special soul who touched so many! We are so glad we got to see her last summer. Love and Hugs to everyone! Shelly & Pat
Michelle Ofstun June 23, 2023
No relationship Somewhere , California
I’ve always liked Betty. She amazed me. Beautiful. Gracious. Kind. Curious. Intelligent. Loving. We made each other smile and laugh. She gave me the lasting giblets of acceptance and appreciation. I am sincerely sorry I am unable to personally attend Betty’s visitation and mass today.
Robin Deethardt July 02, 2023
friend Elkhorn , Wisconsin
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Betty was a beautiful woman in every sense of the word, kind, elegant, down-to-earth, compassionate, endearing and fun-loving. She left behind a legacy of memories and a beautiful family, who will carry on what she and Dick started through their love for one another, of God, their family, friends and community. While we know, Betty is in a far better place with God, we will miss the presence she brought to each one of us in her daily life and on the golf-course. When I think of all my cherished memories of Baraboo, Dick and Betty Matthews will forever be front and center for me, and I thank God daily for the cherished people who makes it possible to experience such memories in this life. Lord, our beloved has been your faithful servant, and because of that, our hearts are full of hope and joy because we know that we shall be reunited with them when Jesus comes or when we come home. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Jamie Brescia July 03, 2023
Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Matthews family.