Clifford Ira MATHEWS Married Florence Ida NELSON on 16 FEB 1926 in Wray, Yuma County, Colorado, USA.


Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1977

Clifford Ira Mathews

Clifford Ira Mathews, youngest son of John Ira and Nancy Jane Mathews was born in Dundy County Nebraska on March 24, 1903.

Cliff spent his childhood and young adult years on the family farm in the Hiawatha Community. On Feb. 16, 1926 he was united in marriage with Florence Nelson at Wray, Colo. They established their home in the same community, and lived on this farm for 43 years. One daughter Phyllis, was born to them.

In 1969, Cliff and Florence retired from farming, and moved to Imperial. On Feb. 15, 1976 they were privileged to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a family dinner and Open House reception.

As a child, Cliff and his family were affiliated with the Friends Church. On April 14, 1957, he was baptized into the Christian faith by Rev. Vernon Goff at the Mt. Zion Methodist Church near Wauneta. He served as a faithful member of Mr. Zion Church. On Aug. 24, 1969, when taking residence in Imperial, he transferred his membership to the United Methodist Church of Imperial. He participated in the life of the Church as an active member.

He served on the board of Dundy County school district No. 12 for twenty-four years. At the time of his death he was secretary-treasurer of the Hiawatha Cemetery Association.
Clifford passed away July 5, 1977 at the Chase County Community Hospital at the age of 74 years.

Those who survive him include his wife, Florence; his daughter Phyllis and her husband Gilbert Nordhausen of Wauneta; three grandchildren, Vicki Lowe of Lincoln, Pam and her husband, Ron Gloy of Wauneta, Monte Nordhausen and his wife Deb of Benkelman; three great-grandchildren, Cory Nordhausen, Gretchen Gloy and Heidi Nordhausen; one brother Roy of El Paso, Tex.; two sisters, Florence Strobridge of Torrance, Calif., and Doris Williams of Benkelman; seven sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law. There are many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Charles, Joe and Willard; four sisters; Elva Louch, Olia Hampton, Grace Cain, and Martha Loescher,

Funeral services were held July 8, 1977 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in imperial with Pastor Melvin Koelling officiating. Mrs. Willard Rouze was organist and accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Bauerle as they sang, "My God and I" and "How Great Thou Art."

Escorts were Wilford Hampton, Bill Loescher, John Mathews, Duane Williams., Byron Loescher, and Leo Williams,

interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.