Barbara Joan Mathys, 85, died on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at her home in Soldier. She was born on May 4, 1939, to Vern and Thelma (Corey) Wright in Dunlap. She attended school at rural Boyer #5 and began school in Dunlap in 3rd grade, graduating in the class of 1957. On July 6, 1957, Barb was united in marriage to Donald Mathys in Denison. Barb and Don were both working in Omaha, Neb. at the time, so they lived in Omaha until March of 1958 when they moved to Soldier. They welcomed their son Richard Mark Mathys into their family on June 9, 1958. Barb began her career in the Soldier Valley Saving Bank, later becoming Community Bank, in 1959 and was a devoted employee there for 45 years. She retired in 2004. Barb and Don were members of the Soldier Lutheran Church.
Barb enjoyed reading and gardening and was basically a home body. She thoroughly enjoyed time spent with her friends and family. Barb was thoughtful, wise and compassionate with people and animals and she was a blessing to those who knew her.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don on May 21, 2019; son, Mark on Dec. 22, 1980; brothers, Alan, Darrell, Richard and Robert Wright; sisters, Norma Pedersen Hansen and Marilyn Wright, as an infant; brothers-in-law, David Pedersen, Stan Hansen and Jim Rose; and sister-in-law, Gwnne Wright. She is survived by her sister, Marilynn and husband Frank Kostal of Bella Vista, Ark.; sisters-in-law, Nancy Wright of Omaha, Martha Wright of Dunlap, Norma Jean Rose of Deloit and Patricia Crouch of Council Bluffs; brother-in-law, Larry Mathys and his wife Lonya of Denison; many nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Soldier Lutheran Church in Soldier. The officiant was Paul Coen. The musicians were Alice McQueen and Sam Johnson The musical selections were “Borning Cry” and congregational hymn, “How Firm A Foundation”. The honorary pallbearers were Kirk Ulven, Mark Johnson, Warren Jensen, Bob Holt, Richard Ulmer, David Foss, Randy Grant, Bob Mahlberg, Jim Longlee, George Avery and John Larson. Barb’s final resting place is at the Soldier Valley Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
