WESSINGTON Arlene J. Matthews, age 100, of Wessington, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by her family in Wessington. Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wessington. A private family burial will follow the service at Wessington Cemetery. Visitation, with family present, will be the hour before the service at the church.
Arlene June Matthews, was born on May 27, 1925, to Elmer August and Hazel Cora (Davis) Krauter. She was raised in Wessington, and attended Sand Creek School before graduating from Wessington High School in 1943.
On December 22, 1944, Arlene married Kenneth L. Matthews in Huron. Together they made their home in Wessington, where they raised their family and built a life rooted in community and service. Arlene worked in a variety of roles over the years, most notably spending three decades at the Wessington Post Office, from December 1959 until her retirement in December 1989.
Arlene was a woman of many talents and interests. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, crafting, and upholsteryoften creating beautiful pieces for her home and family. A lifelong sports fan, she loved cheering on local school teams.
A devoted member of the Wessington Presbyterian Church, Arlene served faithfully as a Deacon and was active in the church community. She was also a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Royal Neighbors, dedicating her time to causes close to her heart.
Arlene will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering support of her community and family.
She is survived by her children, Clifford Dennis Matthews of Farmington, Minn., Pamela Duxbury of Wessington, Debra Matthews of Sioux Falls, and Sandra (Steve) Bales of Huron; twelve grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; sister Norma Jean DeHaven of Wessington, sister-in-law Edith (Lyle) Matthews of Harford, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Clifford and Maynard; two sisters Mildred (Virgil) Labaw and Thelma Krauter; five brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
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