Published on June 11, 2025 3:23 pm
Last Updated on June 12, 2025 6:24 am
In loving memory of our mother and grandmother, Edith G. Matthews who went to be with the Lord on May 30, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
She was born on November 13th, 1921, in St Elmo, Illinois. She was one of eight children to Mary Olive (Ollie) and Ezekiel (Zeke) Hanna. She was a pillar of unwavering strength. Her love of Jesus radiated through every part of her life, her prayers uplifted generations and she lived out the gospel with grace, humility, and joy. Edith devoted many hours to playing the piano and organ for the Church of God in Effingham. She served the community with hospitality and grace along with her mother Ollie Hanna at the Little Chef restaurant and later with her husband Gene opened the Cindy Lyn, Abe Lincoln, Best Western in Effingham and the Coffee Time in Charleston. Edith was not just known for her hands in the kitchen and on the piano keys but for her faith, love and resilience she leaves behind. She taught us the power of prayer, the importance of family, and the beauty of a life rooted in serving others.
She is survived by: her brother Larry Hanna; daughter Betty Englund; grandchildren, Donald Slone, Cindy Gillespie, Edye Elliott, Paige Tornberg, Shea Hoffman; great grandchildren, Matt Slone, Gina Gillespie, Jace Gillespie, Paiton, Chase, and Reese Tornberg, Preston and Blakely Hoffman and great-great grandchildren, Zane, Jaxon and Kadon Slone.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband Gene Matthews and her daughter Nickie Slone and her siblings, Zelma Sinkler, Paul Hanna, Betty Bowman, Twyla Strohl, Bob Hanna, Margie Verdeyen.
Her life was a blessing and her memory a treasure. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025 at Arborcrest Memorial Park, Rural Effingham. In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorials in her honor to be given to the First Church of God. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.