Alene Matthews

Alene Matthews, 89, of Cape Girardeau peacefully passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Chateau Girardeau Skilled Nursing Facility.

Alene was born Nov. 22, 1930, on the family farm near Bloomfield, Missouri, the second daughter of Herbert and Joyce McClard Shipman. She married Bob Matthews on March 27, 1948, in Bloomfield.

Alene worked as an instructional assistant for the Sikeston (Missouri) School District for several years. But the work she cherished most was as a loving wife and mother.

She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and volunteered for numerous church and community events.

Alene was very proud of her volunteer service at Southeast Hospital, accumulating more than 10,500 hours over a period of 24 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Judith Ann (John) Gallagher of Fort Worth, Texas; son, Robert L. Matthews (Diane Tjomsland) of Bow, Washington; grandchildren, Catherine Ann (Paul) Carter and John Delaney (Leslie) Gallagher; five great-grandchildren; sister, Nadine McConnell; seven nieces; and nine nephews.

Alene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob Matthews; parents; sisters, Marjorie Clay and Caroline Van Deven; and brother, Lee Shipman.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family requests any donations be made to Southeast Hospice in her name or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at info@fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.