Dolores L. Mathews

MOUNT PLEASANT- Dolores L. “Dee” Mathews, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, and formerly of Mt. Union, Iowa, died Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Edencrest at Green Meadows, Johnston, Iowa.

Dee was born in 1928 to John and Cora Lauer in Mt. Pleasant.  She married Stanley E. Mathews September 18, 1948 in Mt. Union, Iowa.  He preceded her in death September 13, 1994.  Dee was a homemaker who took great pride in raising her four children on their farm “Paramount Place” in Canaan Township, Henry County, where she lived a total of fifty years before moving to Mt. Pleasant.  She attended MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois prior to her marriage. While raising her children, she actively served in the Pleasant Lawn PTA, was a leader with the Girl Scouts, assisted with 4-H Club meetings, taught Sunday school and Bible School at Wesley Chapel, and was a member of Mt. Pleasant Women’s Club. She later became a member of the United Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant.

Her love of the countryside was embodied in her children, who grew up to appreciate wide open spaces, the stars on moonlit gravel road walks, the deer, pheasants, fox and birds which found haven on their farm and above all, the comforting peace of the scents generated by all seasons of fieldwork.  She was an extension of her husband’s love of steam railroading and traveled with him throughout the US and Japan in his work to build Midwest Central Railroad and later Shop Services, Inc.  She founded the Red Caboose Gift shop and managed it for many years during the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Reunions.  In 2010, she was honored as the first Grand Marshall for MCRR and for its 50^th Anniversary, of which Stan was one of the founders.  In addition to caring for her eight acres of lawn and gardens when she lived on the farm, she enjoyed holidays and the change of seasons, celebrating each with her decorative style indoors--- a talent she has passed on to each of her daughters and granddaughters.

Survivors include her children:  Vicki L. Adlfinger (Harlen Briggs) of Riverdale, IA; Rob (Janette) Mathews of Davenport, IA/Peoria, AZ; Sharri (Denny) Bahlmann of Johnston, IA; and Sharon (Darrel) Christensen of Grimes, IA; grandchildren Ryan (Ginella) Adlfinger of Bettendorf, IA; Shay (Katelyn) Mathews of Otsego, MN; Jason (Becca) Mathews of Riverdale, IA;  Danielle (Erin) Kelaher of Urbandale, IA; Derek (Brittany) Bahlmann of Littleton, CO; Stacey (Todd) Vander Schoor of West Des Moines, IA; and Tekyn (Nate) Tackett of Grimes, IA; and 14 great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband Stan, she was preceded in death by her brother Gerald, sister Gwen, and son-in-law Vern Adlfinger.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and a private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Forest Home Cemetery. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is assisting the family with local arrangements.