MATTHEWS, George (Budge)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 08/30/2013 George and Betty Matthews Fifty-eight years ago, devoted couple George (Budge) and Betty Matthews vowed never to part. They kept their word, even in death. George, 77, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, at his daughter’s home in Mesa. Just 22 hours later, Wednesday, Aug. 21, Betty, 74, passed away in the same home. They were surrounded by their children and grandchildren as they left this temporary world. Their passing reflected the nature and love story of their marriage; they were inseparable in life as well as in death. George was born to Cephus and Thelma Matthews (known to all as “big daddy” and “big momma”) Sept. 12, 1935, in Daisy, Okla. He was the loving brother to Myrtle Gilliam (deceased), Mary Walker (deceased), Christine Krantz and Shirley McPherson. Betty was born to Charles and Francis Hollingsworth Nov. 16, 1938, in Broken Bow, Okla. She was the beautiful sister to brothers Melvin (deceased), J.C. (deceased), Sherman (deceased) and Eugene Hollingsworth (deceased) and caring sister to Beth Hensley (deceased), Lilly Bell Callaway (deceased), Velma Brown (deceased), Mary Hughes and Wanda Romine. Budge and Betty were married Jan. 22, 1955, in Reserve, N.M. Budge served two years in the Army and then became a hard-working logger, while Betty was his devoted and loving wife. Ten months later on Nov. 19, 1955, they welcomed their first child, Leroy Wayne. Budge and Betty showered Leroy with all of their love for the nine short months of his sweet and precious life. Leroy left this world Aug. 30, 1956. On March 3, 1968, they welcomed their daughter, LeiLani, and a few years later on July 22, 1970, their son Jerry Russell blessed their lives. Budge and Betty are survived by their daughter and son-in-law, LeiLani and Eric Scott; son Russell Matthews; grandchildren: Tyler, Kyrstin and Taylor Scott; and great-granddaughter Aubree Scott. Their love story lives on, just not in this world. A viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Burnham Mortuary. Funeral services will be held for George and Betty at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Assembly of God Church in Springerville, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the Eagar Cemetery. Leave an online condolence at www.burnhammortuary.com.