Aug. 28, 1954 — July 6, 2015

My name is Margaret Mahone Mathews and I lived in Niles, Michigan. I passed away on Monday, July 6, 2015, at home with my family around me, after a long bout with cancer. I was born in Logan, West Virginia on Aug. 28, 1954, to the late Joseph and Ernestine Mahone of Whitman, West Virginia.

I graduated with the class of 1972 from Logan High School. After moving to Michigan, I attended Southwestern Michigan College and Indiana University. I worked for a great company, Logan Industries in South Bend Indiana, for 28 years. Due to illness, I had to retire. During those years I met some great people and really loved my job.

My first marriage to Jim Farmer ended in a divorce in 1983. Out of this Union, we were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Shanda and Amber. In 1993, I met the kindest man who truly loved me and my daughters. We started a new life together and I learned what true love meant. He was a retired Chief Petty Officer with a rough sounding voice, but all we saw was a big, loving man. He passed away with my arms around him on Aug. 19, 2009.

My greatest accomplishments are my daughters Shanda Farmer (Chris) King of St. Joseph, Michigan and Amber Leigh Farmer of South Bend, Indiana. Both daughters have been such a blessing. Hardly a day went by, that we didn’t talk on the phone. I tried to instill the values of respect, responsibility, hard work, kindness and unconditional love. I was also blessed with two grandsons Joseph Zachary Batson, who refers to me as Grammy. His goals are to be a pro basketball player or a rock star when he grows up. His Mom and I think he should be a lawyer, since he always has an argument when trying to get his way. My second grandson is Nathan Wade King. He refers to me as GaGa. He is seven years younger than his brother. His wisdom is amazing and I see great things happening for him. I also have two step daughters Leslie Mathews of Arizona, and Melonie Mathews of Louisiana.

My favorite times were spent with my family and days spent at Lake Michigan, feeling the sand in my toes and a great book in my hand.

I grew up with seven brothers and sisters. Growing up with that many siblings made us all independent and we all love each other. My brothers are Darrell (Linda) Mahone of Shelbyville, Kentucky, Denny (Nina) Mahone of Holden, West Virginia, and my baby brother who called me practically every day, Dana (Bethany) Mahone of Logan, West Virginia. Gosh, I’m going to miss our talks. My sisters are Connie (Bob) Jirgl of Dowagiac, Michigan. Connie was always my chemo partner. Then there’s Joanna Blevins of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Cindy Mahone my faithful caregiver of Roanoke, Virginia and Tori (Tim) of Alpharetta, Georgia. I have 14 nieces and nephews and nine great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and lots of friends that I truly loved, two loyal companions, my dog, Josie Marie and her sister, a cat named Sophie. I was preceded in death by my parents and my husband John Thomas Mathews.

I was cremated and a memorial visitation will be held at the Supper Club in Niles from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2015, with a final prayer and balloon release at 4 p.m., please come and share some stories about my life.

I would have loved to have stuck around longer, but God had other plans. I’m going to be watching and walking by your sides. Zachary and Nathan when you find those pennies stop and pick them up. When you think of me, I hope it brings a smile to your face and if I hurt anyone, I would like to ask for your forgiveness. Until we meet again, Maggie.

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Memorial contributions may be made in my name for the college educations of my grandsons via the Margaret Mahone Mathews Memorial Fund that has been set up at 1st Source Bank; donations may be made at any location.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.