Bonnie Matthews Obituary

Bonnie Jean Mathews

April 18, 1925 - June 22, 2025

Sacramento, California - Bonnie Jean Mathews was born in Enid, Oklahoma, to John and Ollie Barnett. She was one of 5 girls, which is commonly believed why our grandfather drank from time to time. She spent much of her younger years in San Diego and Oakland. Mom studied music and got her master's degree in 1977. She was very involved with Trinity Church in Sacramento and was choir director for as long as I can remember.

She married Marvin Moran and had two incredibly beautiful and "smart as whips" children, Timothy and Deborah; but alas, the marriage did not last. After being a single mother and working at AeroJet in Sacramento, she met and married Alton Mathews, who was a great man, an artist, and loved her to death. After AeroJet laid off most of its workforce, we moved to Orland California, where Alton taught art at the high school and Mom taught piano and voice privately.

After we went off to college, they moved to Tahoe City, where Alton again taught art at Truckee High School and Mom taught music privately. Unfortunately, Alton contracted a brain tumor and died in 1974. Mom lived there for about 6 years and then moved back to Sacramento to be closer to family, friends, and church. We were able to celebrate her 100th birthday in April and she was in fine form, her mind sharp until the end. Many family and friends attended and got to see and visit with her. She was the last of the Barnetts. We have considered that her birthday party was the best memorial we could have, as she was alive and got to see all her family and friends before she left us.

We could not have asked for a better mother or grandmother, she will be missed and loved as long as we are alive.