Shirley Ann Van Matre 83, of Mount Carmel, Illinois passed away Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the home of her son, Terry Van Matre, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on September 19, 1935 in Wabash County, Illinois the daughter of Melvin and Irene (Summers) Couch. She married George Van Matre on October 31, 1954 and he preceded her in death on January 26, 1999.
Shirley was a very caring person which was evident in her working years as a ward clerk in the nursing homes. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She greatly enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She grew a bountiful garden and canned the fruits of her labor for all to enjoy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were dear to her heart and she enjoyed spoiling them every chance she could get. Shirley was a member of Friendsville Pentecostal Faith Assembly Church. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Shirley will be remembered by her three sons, William (Carol) Van Matre, Terry (Kim) Van Matre, Gary Van Matre; eight grandchildren, Amanda (Allan) Medler, Joshua (Sarah) Van Matre, Natalie (Daniel) Johnson, Chad (Christy) Van Matre, Sean (Kendra) Van Matre, Christina (Joseph) Smith, Whitney (Stephen) Hamm, Mason (Bailee Peacock) Van Matre; great-grandchildren, Michael and William Medler, Noah, Ellison, Loralei and Dorothy Van Matre, Benjamin Johnson, Trenton, Mariah, Preston and Autumn Van Matre, Madison Drew, Alisha, Nathan, Hannah and Levi Smith, Sophia and Amelia Hamm.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Pattie Ann Van Matre; sisters, Lucille Couch and Alice Allen.
Family and friends are invited to gather from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday, November 12, 2018 at the Friendsville Pentecostal Faith Assembly Church in Friendsville, Illinois. Graveside Services will follow at 12:15 p.m. in Friendsville Cemetery with Brother Bill Reed officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to the Pentecostal Faith Assembly Building Fund. Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Shirley’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Van Matre family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
