Velma Mae (Phillips) Mathews

Velma Mae Mathews, 92, died Tuesday (Oct. 26, 2010) at Asbury Park in Newton. She was born on Feb. 14, 1918, to Guy and Bessie (McComas) Phillips in Holly, Colo. On June 19, 1938, she married Ralph D. Mathews in Marion. He preceded her in death. Velma was a member of Marion Presbyterian Church. She and Ralph also had belonged to the Marion camping group for many years. Velma was employed at Jackson’s Clothing Store and did men’s alterations until she entered retirement. Velma was a longtime resident of Marion until she relocated to Newton Midtown Towers in 1998. Her hobbies included playing bingo, cards and reading novels. Survivors include her daughter, Betty J. Meirowsky and husband John of Newton; six grandchildren, Cynthia Mathews of Denver, Melinda (John) Brennan of Wichita, Marcy Renollet of Newton, Janel (Steve) Rogers, Amy Yearout of Andover and Matt Meirowsky of Anaconda, Mont.; eight great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; four sisters; and two brothers. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Asbury Park Chapel. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Marion Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Asbury Park’s 415 Greenhouse in care of the funeral home.