Wanda Clo Mathewson passed away peacefully of natural causes and entered into eternity with her Lord Jesus on January 1st, 2017, in Modesto, California, at the age of 85. She was born on January 6, 1931 in Oklahoma, as the oldest of four children of Jesse and Polly Breshears. Wanda lived the majority of her life in Oakdale, California. She loved her family unconditionally and all children held a special place in Wanda’s heart. For more than 30 consecutive years she taught Sunday School to pre-school children and also served the Lord faithfully in various positions in the Sierra Foothills Free Methodist Church in Oakdale since 1962, including mentoring women. She was also faithful to serve at the Oakdale Community Sharing Foodbank for many years. She is survived by her husband John Mathewson of 43 years of Oakdale; her children Cheryl Collins, John Mathewson, Sonia Flores, Arthur Mathewson, Russell Mathewson, Barry Franks, Jeff Franks, Paul Mathewson, Freida Mathewson, and Jessie Millard; her 30 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren (one on the way), brother Jay C. Breshears, and sister Connie Baughman. She is preceded in death by her parents, her two sons Faron and Jay Franks and brother Jerry Breshears.
Keeping family connected and building relationships was a strength of hers. Wanda was a hard-working woman and was employed at the Oakdale Poultry Plant, Contadina Cannery, and most notably her long career at the Hershey plant where she retired after working for more than 25 years. Wanda always put others before herself and made a lasting and loving impact on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on January 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Sierra Foothills Community Church, Oakdale, California, 1040 West F Street. Please send any donations to Oakdale Community Sharing Foodbank at 579 Center Street, Oakdale, California, 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Jan. 11, 2017