Phyllis A. Mathews

Phyllis Ann (Bilbrey) Mathews, 81, beloved wife, mother and "Nana," of Medina, Lakeside, and Irmo, S.C., died peacefully on Friday, July 28th, 2017, at Stein Hospice in Sandusky, Ohio. Mrs. Mathews was born to Glenn and Helen (Yeager) Bilbrey in Dexter, MO, and dedicated 32 years of her life to speech and hearing therapy in the Medina City schools. Mrs. Mathews was a matriarch and friend to her children, grandchildren, and an extended group of lifelong friends and their children. An avid reader, Mrs. Mathews read over 300 books in her lifetime, chief among them, and her favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird. After retiring from the Medina City School system in 1993, the Mathews moved to Irmo, S.C., where they became involved with Union United Methodist Church, and enjoyed the company of many new friends. For the last 42 years of her life, she summered at the family cottage in Lakeside, OH, restoring the home, helping to raise grandchildren; hosting get-togethers, including the annual 4th of July picnic after the parade; visiting friends; and creating, and maintaining, two flower beds at the corners of 2nd and Plum Streets. Mrs. Mathews could often be seen tending to the beds, as well as attending programs at Hoover Auditorium, and reading by the lakeshore. Mrs. Mathews is survived by her husband, Richard A. Mathews; brother Michael Bilbrey (Jackie) of Kansas City, MO; daughter Jennifer "Ginger" (Mathews) Santulli of Atlanta, GA; son, Richard J. Mathews (Cynthia) of Huron; grandchildren Abigail, Emma and Sara Santulli, and Olivia and Madeline Mathews. "Extended family include friends Joyce and Fred Gross, and their daughters, Suzanne Gross Hatch (Mark), Sandra Gross (Eric Whitaker), Melinda Gross Stahl (Ken) and Caroline Gross Towne (Elizabeth Hall); and friend Carol (Ken, decd.) Patterson, and her children, Karen Patterson Schaefer (Rick), Ken Patterson, and Kristi Patterson DiMassa (Tony)." A memorial will be held at 3:00, Saturday, August 5th, at the Memorial Garden in Lakeside, OH, with reception to follow at the home of Sandra Gross and Eric Whitaker. In honor of Mrs. Mathews' contribution to the beautification of Lakeside, through the creation of the gardens at 2nd and Plum, the extended family is establishing a fund for the "Phyllis Mathews Memorial Gardens," to maintain, and expand the grounds. In lieu of flowers, please contact Sandra Gross at 510-599-5414 for contribution details.