On August 21, 2020, Arlene Mathews left this earth and moved on to a closer walk with our Lord in Heaven. Arlene was born on July 1, 1929 on a farm near Lake Crystal, Minnesota, the youngest of five children (Donald, Evelyn, Alece, Leona, and Arlene) to Irvin and Myrtle Etherington. She attended early school in a one room school house with about 12 other children. The family moved to Vernon Center, and then to Algona, Iowa.
Arlene went to work for a small town doctor, who taught and encouraged her. She was accepted to Nursing School at St. Patrick’s School of Nursing in Missoula, Montana. It was in Missoula, where she met Miller Mathews. They dated for two years and were married at the Methodist Church in June of 1953. Later that year, they moved to Helena where Miller joined Union Bank and Arlene began her work with St. Peter’s Hospital in the OB Department. Helping bring new babies into the world was what she cherished. She worked night shifts for most of her 33 years, so that she could be home for her three boys during the day. Arlene and Miller were married for 60 years before his passing in 2013
Arlene retired from nursing but she did not retire as an avid volunteer. She was instrumental in starting the Annual Christmas Sock Sew for the babies and patients at the hospital. It was a tradition that she shared with her sons, who became the assistants in delivering socks on Christmas Eve. She is proud that the tradition continues after 60 years. She spent many afternoons in the hospital gift shop. She was proud to serve on the St. Peter’s Hospital board, as the hospital grew and expanded. She was recognized for her volunteer efforts that spanned over 65 years.
Arlene and Miller had three boys, Tim, Tom and Jon. They were very proud of their three Eagle Scouts. As a family they attended the First Baptist Church where she was the flower arrangement creator for many years. She loved flowers and loved sharing her love for the bright and vibrant colors. Many from her own garden. She loved dolls and frogs, and sharing them with the children at church during Sunday School and Summer Bible Camps. Sharing her special FROG story with them was one of her highlights.
Arlene had a great passion for P.E.O., an organization that supports scholarships for aspiring young women to continue their education. She was a state officer and attended several national conventions. She will be missed by her many P.E.O. sisters.
After a bit of negotiating with her sons, Arlene moved to Touchmark in 2018. She loved the wonderful staff there, and said that her little apartment was truly her home. With her doll collection in tow, she had the “Doll House” apartment.
Arlene was preceded in her death by her husband, Miller and her oldest son, Tim and his wife, Terry in addition to her siblings. She is survived by her son, Tom and his wife Maria who live in Great Falls. Her son, Jon resides in Boise, Idaho. She loved her grandchildren, Becky, David (Sara), Jon (Holly), Michael and Jason. And for extra joy she was blessed with great grandchildren, Khayler, Cecilia, and Lucas.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A private family burial will take place at a later date. The family asks that memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church of Montana, 201 8th Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or the St. Peters Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Arlene.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday August 25, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday August 25, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Diane says
Mathews family
I have had the pleasure of knowing Arlene for many years. Most recently working with her at St Peter’s Hospital Gift Shop. What a wonderful and graceful lady. She gave so much of herself to the people of Helena and will be missed by so many of us. May she Rest In Peace.
With deepest sympathy, Diane Pedersen
Karen Bryson says
Dear Tom, Jon and families,
Loved your mom so much. She was such an inspiration to so many with her selfless giving to so many people. She never complaIned as her health deteriorated. She met each day with a smile and a heart full of love. She will be missed. Hugs!
Doris Romanisko says
Arlene’s commitment to St Peter’s, first as employee, later as a volunteer and Board member can only be surpassed by her love of family and her faith. I relish the 16 years of working with her on Foundation galas, golf tournaments, luncheons, a rodeo and other projects…she was a tireless volunteer, outlasting volunteers more than half her age. Thank you, Arlene, and thank you Mathews family for sharing your mother and grandmother with so many others. (We will miss the hundreds of pounds of chocolates she made year after year.)
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Arlene and her family lived right next door to Jeff in the 1960’s. Have never met a pair of people nicer than she and Miller. Melissa used to work at St Pete’s and always commented on what a great nurse and volunteer Arlene was. Truly a great lady. Peace to her family.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Arlene has known my Helena family since before I came on the scene. She and my Grandmother, Roberta Fisher were the Foundation of the Baptist Church here in Helena. When we moved to Helena Arlene was the first to welcome us here. She was a wonderful PEO Sister and a friend to our family for many, many years. On behalf of the Fisher family we send our heartfelt sympathy to the Miller Family. Arlene will certainly be missed, she was a wonderful Christian lady, gracious and kind to all all who knew her.
Judy Salisbury says
Yes, Jon, Maria, and Tom, God has truly welcomed a very good and faithful servant. His eye is on the sparrow, and was on her always. We are so blessed to have known your beautiful mom. I pray His peace envelopes you all at this time. Jeff and Judy
Joni Moore Chenoweth says
Tom, Jon and family,
Heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. Growing up in the First Baptist Church, I knew and loved this remarkable woman my whole life. From being in her Sunday school class, to enjoying her countless floral creations and children’s stories, to having her give both of my newborn sons their first baths, her presence was woven through my life. She exuded kindness, faith, laughter, and gentleness in all that she did. I can still see her eyes sparkling whenever she spoke. Heaven will be an even sweeter place with her presence! Hugs to all of you!
Jim Stipcich says
Tom and Jon.. Deepest sympathy for the passing of your Mom. She was a super sweet lady that cared for us all as teenagers and young adults. Prayers to all of you and your families.
Dick Hausken says
Tom and Jon,
I remember Miller and Arlene from all the scouting activities that I was involved in with you and Tim, and at the First Baptist church. Arlene’s work and volunteering at St. Peter’s is so inspiring and she will be missed. My sympathies to and your families.
Margaret Cooper says
Sorry for your sorrow now but glad for Mathews resting in peace. She and I spent 30 or more years working
together at St. Peters and had stories to fill a book. It was such a great time with her. We were a couple of
night owls for so long. Bless all her family. Cooper
Karen Heil says
Sorry for the loss of you mom. She was always positive and helpful both on the ob floor and in the gift shop. Will be strange without her sewing the stocking for the little ones, hope she has someone to take over. She was so proud of all of you!
Sallie M. Morris says
Sallie Morris says
We served together on the State Board of P.E.O. she was a dear friend. My condolences to her family.
Dollyann Willcutt says
Arlene truly made this earth a better place. Her kindness and compassion will be remembered by many. She was a lovely lady and gave so much to P.E.O. She will be missed.
Punki Bullis says
Mathews Family
My heart is saddened by the loss of Arlene. She will be so missed by so many. She was a giver and the world was better for her presence in it. The twinkle in her eye and her lovely smile will be in my memory of her always. Bless you Maria for bringing her to state conventions these last few years. It was so important to her to be with the Past State Presidents and be a part of convention.
Jamie MedicineTop says
Mathews Family ❤️ Miss Arlene will surely be Missed !!!! I enjoyed every second I got to spend with her at Touchmark and was so Blessed to have known such a Wonderful and Loving Lady!!! She will Forever Be In My Heart ❤️ Love Jamie Medicine Top also known as Darla to Arlene 😉 It was a Great Pleasure meeting All the wonderful people in her life ❤️
Dani Younker says
Mathews Family,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful person with us. I worked alongside Arlene at St. Peter’s Health for 20 years in various capacities. She was always kind, compassionate, and cared about everyone around her. Arlene gave so much of herself, and we were lucky to be one of the recipients. She will be greatly missed.
Mary Dissly Cruzan says
Tom and Maria I am sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing. I so enjoyed meeting her at P.E.O. State convention in Great Falls and having dinner with you at the friends and family banquet. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this time. Mary Dissly Cruzan
Dean and Sue Retz says
TOM – Sue and I are so sad that you lost your mom. Lots of memories with your father when I was in banking, and Sue and your mom when she was a hospital volunteer. and me when you and I go back a long ways, especially when I always beat you in the road races. God bless!!!
Peg Mathews says
As one who shared Arlene’s home for over 3 years, I can attest to her kindness and generous spirit. Many memories fill my heart right now, helping to mend my broken heart with her passing.
Arlene was an easy person to love. And she loved everone she met. At Touchmark, our friendship continued. Watching her eyes light up when I stopped to “check up on her,” made me realize how precious our friendship was. I will miss her so…
Kay (Thurston) Cowin says
When I moved to Helene in January of 1971 and started working at St. Peter’s Hospital my life was blessed with Arlene. She and Miller “Matt” adopted me into their family and cared for me, a young single nurse. Our friendship has grown over the past 40 years. She gave freely and generously to so many. She welcomed my husband and children, we were truly blessed to have had a wonderful visit with her last summer in her new home which was filled with memories and frogs. She did have a request for a tree to be removed so she would have a better view. Tom, Maria, Jon and family our hearts, love and hugs are showered upon you. Arlene-an amazing lady who shared her love for Jesus with all. She will be missed. We are with you in prayer, love and god bless.
Kay, Bill Brian and Betsy
Mike Griffith says
To Arlene’s Brood
I extend the gratitude of Judy, Lani and myself for over 65 years of being associated with your Matriarch! Many times are remembered, but none so cherished as the morning of March 24, 1970, when your Mother entered Judy’s hospital room cradling our new daughter! Your Mother’s devotion to family, faith and her profession were hallmarks of a genuinely devout person. Your Father and Tim are again joined in harmony.
Vera Bassett says
Sincere sympathies to Jon and Tom and Maria in the loss of your mother.
Arlene was one of the dearest Friends in my life. She was a loving P.E.O. Sister, as I served on the MT State Board with her and we have kept in close touch ever since.
Arlene brought out the good in us all.
May God’s Promise sustain us all.
Vera Bassett
Brenda says
Arlene always had a smile. I met her through my sister dorothy. Before she got sick she was going to fix my smokey the bear that I have had since I was 2 years old. My mom also attended church with her and my mom’s cousin fern. She was such a beautiful person and soul. She will be missed by many. Fly high with the angels Arlene.
Brian Johnson says
I remember when I was in grade school I would buy candy bars from this lady when she would work at the gift shop. I remember her red hair and that candy bars were $0.45. Years later I would work at the hospital and I remember her and we would talk and she was always a very nice and pleasant lady who I appreciated a lot. May she Rest In Peace.