Ron R. Matthews, 65, of Marysville, CA, passed away July 16, 2010. Born July 9, 1945 in Marysville, CA. He was a lifetime resident of the Yuba-Sutter area. To merely write that Ron Matthews was a family man would be a gross under use of the term. He was more to us than a husband, father, brother, uncle or papa. He was our friend. Each of us who knew him can remember a time that because of his involvement, be it big or small, recent or years ago, our lives were better, easier, happier... Others will as they read this know that without him they would simply not be where they are today. There is not a single word in the dictionary that adequately describes the loss that the Matthews family feels. Ron's dedication to his family and friends was easily noticed. He lead by example and treated people the way he would have wanted to be treated. He was a very happy man and he shared that happiness freely with his family and friends. He was not one to know a stranger and was always eager to help anyone who was in need.

He was so much more than a pilot, a coach, a poker player, a golfer, fisherman or race car driver. He was an amazingly kind hearted man who wanted happiness and peace for everyone he surrounded himself with. He and his wife Terri shared a life which was rich and full in so many ways shaped by Ron's distinctly open, curious, intelligent, people oriented, spiritual, and selfl ess approach to everything and everyone he encountered. Their years together were cut short and in some respects it is difficult at times to see where he ended and she began. A close family friend summed it up quite well by saying "To know him a short time is to wish you knew him longer" and "to meet his family is to know he was a king."

Survivors include his wife, Terri Matthews of Marysville, CA; sons: Edward Matthews (Melissa) of Reno, NV, Shain Matthews (Stephanie) of Marysville, CA; daughters: Tonja Matthews (Kent Crafton) of Wasilla, AK, Melisa Hall of Yuba City, CA, Megan Matthews (Daniel) of Yuba City, CA; brothers: Larry Matthews of Marysville, CA, Michael Matthews (Helga) of Olivehurst, CA; sister, Beverley Osbourn (Phill) of Browns Valley, CA; grandchildren: Joshua, Cody, Joey, Devin, Austin, Sammy, Bellamie, Elijah, and Ezra; great-granddaughter, Emilylynn; nephews: Brandon Kirchmeyer of Yuba City, CA, John Osbourn of Loma Rica, CA, Matt Osbourn of Grass Valley, CA; niece, Sabrina Banez of Yuba City, CA; father of grandchildren, Noe Marin of Marysville, CA; sister-in-law Shannon Kirchmeyer (Tracy Marks) of Yuba City, CA. Also, survived by many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by a son-in-law Robert Hall Jr. and grandchild Baby Hall, and his best friend Ken Barney.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 23, 2010 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Yuba City, with Reverend Chris Kersting and Reverend Mark Holliday officiating. Burial will be at Sutter Cemetery, Sutter, CA. Memorial contributions can be made to Faith Christian School, 3105 Colusa Hwy., Yuba City, CA 95993, or to the American Heart Association. Rest in Peace, You are loved and missed...
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Ron was a racing buddy of ours at Triple M raceway outside of Marysville, CA.