Barbara Ann Matthews

Barbara Ann (Petersen) Matthews, age 80, of Lansing, MI, peacefully passed away December 27, 2016. She was born April 15, 1936, in Escanaba, MI, to Wesley and Evelyn Petersen (Aronson).

In 1958, Barbara graduated from Bellin Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Green Bay, WI, and went on to have a 30-year nursing career. She actively volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the United Methodist Church, Jean Granger Clinic and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She enjoyed traveling, square dancing, and loved spending time at the cottage with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Diedra) Matthews, Robin (Steven) Smith, Kathy (Daniel) Reid, and Dolores Body; grandchildren, Danielle, Alison, Wayne, Madalynn, and David; and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewellyn “Thomas” Matthews; brother, Wayne J. Petersen; and sisters-in-law, Jean Matthews and Dolores Petersen.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at First United Methodist Church, 3827 Delta River Dr., Lansing. Her family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bellin College, Green Bay, WI, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., or to the Salvation Army.