Lou Melva Matthews died peacefully the afternoon of December 6th 2023 after a Wonderful life of over 95 years with her family by her side.
She was born in Oxnard, California on August 10th 1928 to Thomas Riley Avants and Lorena Thrasher Avants.
Her early years were spent in various locations of Ventura County California. Lou always enjoyed the cool coastal weather of Ventura and often commented how fortunate we all are to live here.
She graduated from Ventura High School in 1946 and soon after met and married the Love her Life James Malcolm Matthews on July 31st 1948 and they were married for over 69 years.
Lou worked as a secretary at Point Mugu Naval Base and Thatcher School for a number of years, She was one of the founding members of the local chapter of NAMI ( National Alliance On Mental Illness ) Lou was instrumental in helping families cope with challenges of loved one’s afflicted with Mental Illness. She fought and worked very hard at the local, state and federal level, she was a real advocate for the Mentally Ill.
She enjoyed people, animals, and the natural beauty of the world we live in. She also practiced ballroom dancing, painting, geology, water skiing, camping and hiking.
She was a member of St. Pauls Episcopal church in Ventura since 1963 where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir.
Lou is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Bart and Rachel Matthews; Grandsons Beau, Jake and Travis Matthews. She was preceded in death by her brother James 1995, son Mark in 2013 and her Husband Jim in 2017.
The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude the help from “Assisted Home Hospice” Michelle, Monique, Victoria, Izzy, Paul. “The Resident at Dean Drive Care Home” Bessie. “Private Caregivers” Marisol, Daisy, Elaina, Jan. “The Ventura Townhouse” nursing staff Marina, Michelle and many others. “Words can’t describe how much you are all appreciated!”
Services for Lou will be held on Monday January 8, 2023 10:30 AM St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Rd. in Ventura.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Pauls Episcopal Church or to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) ( namiventura.org ).
Arrangements are under the direction of the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, Ventura, Condolences can be sent to www.Reardonfuneral.com