Caroline Sarah Mathews

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Caroline, of Smyrna, Wash., passed away June 22, 2007.

She was born Nov. 2, 1931, in Mabton, Wash., to Alice and Charles Gulden. She graduated from high school in Moxee, Wash., in 1949. She married Walter Nels Mathews on Nov. 23, 1949. Walter and Caroline made their home in Smyrna, where they farmed and raised their six children. Walter preceeded her in death June 22, 1981.

After Walter's death Caroline continued to live in the family home. She worked many years at the Outpost in Schwana and had recently retired from the Royal City Golf Course where she was a cashier for years.

Caroline loved her family, friends and the Catholic church and was always doing something for one of them. She always found time to be with her family, most especially her grandchildren.

Caroline enjoyed sewing and was able to mend anything. She was active in Cowbells, Crab Creek Cacklers, Altar Society and the Royal City Food Bank. She sat on election board for years and enjoyed a pinocle card group.

Caroline is survived by three siblings, Katherine Gehrts of Seattle, Bill Gulden (Adele) of Seattle and Joe Gulden (Donna) of Federal Way; her six children and their spouses, John Mathews (Naomi) of Pasco, Beth Shedden (Jerry) of Fairfield, Calif., Easter Mathews (Tony Grover) of Portland, Ore., Mitch Mathews (Kathy) of Moses Lake, Camas Poplaski of Moses Lake, and Claudia Peterson (Paul) of Satsop, Wash.; her grandchildren, Gordon, Adam,and Michael Mathews; Cody and Sarah Mathews; Chris Poplaski; Katie and Karl Peterson.

Service was held in honor of Caroline on June 25 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Royal City. Arrangements were in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake.