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Mavis Matthews

Mavis Matthews

Sep. 13, 1929 - Sep. 26, 2025

Date of Service: Oct. 3, 2025

Watch the Webcast Service Program

DECLO – Mavis Fries Matthews, 96, passed away at her home in Declo on September 26, 2025.

She was born in Declo on September 13, 1929 to Otis Alonzo and Berniece Cahoon Fries. She was the second of ten children and learned at an early age to work and help with the family. She attended schools in Declo, graduating from high school in 1947. She was Declo through and through.

Mavis married T.R. Mike Matthews in Elko, Nevada on November 8, 1947. They made their home in Declo for the next 73 years. Together they raised seven children. Mavis taught them to cook, clean, sew, work hard, and serve others. Following her example, her children have learned to serve and care for those around them.

When the family was nearly raised, Mavis went to work as a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service. For the next 22 years she enjoyed meeting and developing friendships with the people on her routes, and often expressed her appreciation for that job.

Mavis loved collecting dolls and elephants, family camping trips, burning weeds, hot dog roasts, and her grandchildren. She was loved and respected by so many. She taught us a lot through her example of service.

Mavis is survived by her children, Sharon (Dennis) Reed of Pocatello, Sandy (Gary) Mallory of Declo, Tim (Joy) Matthews of Jerome, Pam (Lamont) Young of Declo, Casey (Jodie) Matthews of Bonner, Montana, and Laurie (Todd) Webb of Raft River; sister, Barbara Vosburg of Sparks, Nevada; brother, Gene Fries of Declo; 19 grandchildren and fifty seven great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Mike; brothers, Don, Dale, Charles, Rex, and Dean; and sisters, Merlene and Janice.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 3, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Idaho Stake Center, located at 213 W. Main St., in Declo, with Bishop Shey Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 2, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/FMBwvQmYuSE.

Condolences for Mavis Matthews

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Mary Zarybnisky:
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Matthews family
From Gaylen and Carolyn Smyer:
We are so thankful that Mavis and her family have been part of our lives and that of our children. We have many fond memories of our association and friendship over the years. Mike and Mavis are missed but they leave a remarkable legacy of family and achievements. May each family member be blessed with the spirit of the Comforter during this period of recollection and adjustment. Best wishes.
From Keith and Becky Osterhout:
So sorry to hear about Mavis's passing. She was a great lady and raised a good family and lived a great life. Our condolences to the family.
From Joye and John Simpson :
Sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful family.
From LaVell & Lyndell Darrington:
She is truly an elect lady and a dear friend. I will miss our visits so much. My love to her family who are also great people. They took such great care of their mother. Our love to all of you.
From Pat Schiewe:
With heart felt sympathy to the Matthews family, I loved Mavis like my own mother. She always treated me like one of the family. I know she will be missed by many.
From Diane Doane:
I grew up knowing Mavis. When we moved to Declo, she was Relief Society President. I was called to replace her. She was a great mentor for me while I was learning the ropes. Blessings to all of her family.
From Steve and Shelley Jones:
Sending you our prayers for your family. Your mother was a sweet lady and she raised, with your father, a wonderful family! Our prayers are with your families.
From John C. Darrington:
Susan and I offer our condolences to the Matthews family. Mavis was always someone we enjoyed visiting with when we traveled to Declo. She has left a special legacy of love and service in the community that will be long-remembered.
From Ray Arguello :
So audit your loss. I will always remember her as a great lady who raised a tremendous family.
From Janna Rose:
So sorry to hear this. The Matthews families have been so dear to me. Mavis was such a sweet lady and her laugh was contagious. Except the day she pierced my ears. But they are still holy. Love and prayers to all, she was loved.
From Gary and Gloria Tegan :
She was a good example for all of us.
Sending hugs to you, Laurie, and I know you will miss your trips to help her.
From Glena Turner:
Laurie--Certainly thinking of you. Your mom was a special lady.
From Helen Kowitz:
Sincere sympathy for the loss of a great lady. She was always so kind and I enjoyed our visits when she was the mail lady. She done her job so well, too. Prayers and blessings to her family and may they feel her love in the years ahead.
From Todd Adams:
To the Matthew's Family: Sorry to hear about your loss. The Matthew's Family has always been good to me.
From Gayle Erekson:
What a great fun lady.

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