Pauline Matthews passed away on February 26, 2021 at her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was born in Bloomfield, Missouri on April 25, 1926, the daughter of John and Opal Harper and was married to Jack Matthews.

Pauline was educated in Bloomfield public schools and Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to moving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, she lived in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In her youth, her first employment was during World War II as a riveter at Curtiss Wright, an airplane manufacturer in Saint Louis. She became a schoolteacher in the public school system for several years. She worked for her husband Jack in the Stoddard County Treasurer’s Office and owned and operated Pauline’s Ready to Wear dress shop. After moving to Jefferson City, she was employed by the Missouri State Treasurer’s office, Missouri House of Representatives as well as the Missouri State Senate.

She was a member of the Bloomfield Chapter Order of the Eastern Star proudly serving as the Worthy Matron.

Pauline was well known as an active golfer and enjoyed playing in golf tournaments along with her husband Jack. She especially enjoyed sharing the story of her hole in one. She genuinely loved playing bridge, bird watching and tending to her flowers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Matthews of 73 years; her parents; her brother, Elbert Harper; and her daughter-in law, Nancy Matthews.

She is survived by her son, Col. (Ret.) Larry W. Matthews, a 30-year Army veteran; her daughter-in-law, Kim Matthews; her sisters, Louis Middelkamp, and Mildred Bell; numerous nieces and nephews; and her faithful companion Zeus.

Her burial service will be conducted at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri on March 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

Memorials may be made to an organization near and dear to Pauline, The Stars and Stripes Museum, 17377 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.