Genean Peterson Matthews, age 88, passed away on April 29, 2024 surrounded by her family at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier, Idaho. She was born April 8, 1936 in Ovid, Idaho to Melvin Peterson and Arvilla Sorenson.

Genean was raised on the family farm. She attended grade school in Ovid and graduated from Fielding High School in 1954. She often reflected about the fun times she had in high school and the lifelong friends that she made.

She married Ray J Matthews on April 16, 1959. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 19, 1979. To this union came 4 children: Vicki, Janet, Sandra, and Steven. Genean's greatest joy was her family.

She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed being a homemaker. From sewing her daughter's dresses to creating delicious meals in the kitchen, she could do it all! She worked for many years at several of Montpelier's downtown businesses; Kings, Montgomery Ward, Haddocks IGA, The Sally Shop, Randall's Clothing Store, and Jensen's Market. Many will remember her as the fabric lady at Fabric's Etc., a job she truly loved. She was quick witted and fun. Her cheerfulness and caring nature made her a natural for working in the public.

Genean had many hobbies over the years including sewing, cooking, reading, watching the Utah Jazz, but among her favorites was the many years she spent singing with the Madd Hatters.

Genean served in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Relief Society President, Primary Teacher, Librarian, and in the young women's, Genean always gave 110% in her callings. Many of her delicious meals were taken out to people in the ward when they were sick or had recently had a new baby.

Genean is survived by her 4 children: Vicki (Randy) Mellenthin, Janet (Gene) Tippetts, Sandy (Dale) Martinsen, and Steven (Jodi) Matthews, 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way, and her sister Mary Lou (Mike) Hymas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Neil, her brother and sister-in-law; DeVerl and Louise Peterson, her sisters and brothers-in-law; Renee and Bill Whitehead and Winnetta and Alvin Parker, and by her great-grandson, Riley Dean Painter.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 10, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Montpelier City Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Schwab-Matthews Mortuary located at 702 Clay Street, Montpelier, Idaho.

The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at both Bear Lake Memorial Hospital and The Manor for the incredible love and care that they gave Genean over the years.