Frances Jane Matthews (nee Wohnhas)

Frances Jane Matthews, 87, passed away November 25, 2014.

Born in Akron, Frances was raised in East Akron where she attended Hotchkiss Elementary School for 8 years, and graduated from East High School in June 1945. She graduated from The University of Akron in 1949 with a B.S. Degree in Secretarial Science and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. Frances married Carlos L. Matthews on August 27, 1948 after he returned from two years in the U.S. Air Force – serving on Wake Island when the war ended. They were married in Goodyear Heights Presbyterian Church and they attended Akron University together with Carlos graduating as an electrical engineer in 1950.

While the family was still young, Frances earned another degree in elementary education and taught 2nd grade at Suffield Elementary School until 1968 when Carlos was promoted to manager of IBM in Mansfield, Ohio. She then taught 2nd grade at Prospect School in Mansfield until she retired in 1987. They were residents of Lexington, Ohio during this time and were members of First Presbyterian Church of Mansfield. Frances moved back to Wadsworth to be close to family when Carlos died in 2005.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, George Frank and Helen Wohnhas; and husband, Carlos. She is survived by daughter, Peggy (Marc) Messaros of Copley; son, Alan (Patricia) Matthews of Melbourne Beach, FL; grandchildren, Casey Messaros of Copley, Jill (Scott) Gerdes of Cincinnati, Jana (Jeff) Rayle of Rocky River, Joseph Cenker of Melbourne Beach, Fl, and Jessica Cleaver of Louisville, OH; great grandchildren, Gavin Messaros, Zachary Gerdes, Nolan Rayle, Kylee and Kendyl Cleaver; sister, Mary Ruman of Wadsworth; and sister-in-law, Norma Jean Burkholder of Columbus.

The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday with The Rev. Conley Zomermaand officiating. Burial to follow at Hillside Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials to Wadsworth Meals on Wheels, 215 High Street, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 or the March of Dimes, at www.marchofdimes.org.