Cynthia L. Matthews

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Cynthia L. Matthews. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Cynthia was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Cynthia knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her family.

Cynthia was born on February 24, 1943 at Huntington Memorial in San Gabriel, California. Her parents were Ardory Johnson and Alice Hook. Cynthia was raised in San Gabriel, California. Even as a youngster, Cynthia learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

Cynthia was raised with two siblings. She had two older brothers, Steve and Greg. Cynthia had an appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Cynthia, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

In school, Cynthia was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Cynthia was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. She graduated from Arcadia High School in 1960.

Cynthia was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Dawn Dressen. Later in life, she became friends with Jo Bastick and Sally Matthews.

An objective and conscientious individual, Cynthia reveled in the security of her family. On August 7, 1965 Cynthia exchanged wedding vows with James Ronald Matthews at the Messiah Lutheran Church of Pasadena, California. One of Cynthia’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Cynthia was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing but she was also kind, patient, and understanding. Cynthia would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Cynthia was blessed with one son and four step children. Her son, Rick, step daughters Debbie, Donna, and Linda, and step son, Jim. She was also blessed with twelve grandchildren, Sydney, Anthony, Tony, Jason, Jessica, Johnny, Jackie, Tina, Tiffany, Tami, Alysha, and Amanda.

In both her personal and professional environments, Cynthia upheld her standards. Her peers looked up to her. She was a natural leader. She was employed for twenty five years with JPL and fifteen years with Bachtel. Cynthia was a role model and through her extended knowledge of her job, she was able to support her coworkers and business.

Cynthia approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were crossword puzzles and reading. Cynthia was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

A civic-minded person, Cynthia was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Cynthia was a Republican. During these years, Cynthia applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

During her later years, Cynthia had more time to travel. She enjoyed the planning and preparation of every trip. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, the Caribbean, Nova Scotia, and New York City.

Cynthia was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Cynthia’s favorites was Lucy Belle, a Border Collie that she cherished for ten years and Simba a Himalayan for eight years. Her family was rounded out by her Minky 1 and 2, Pomeranians, and Bambi, a Calico Cat.

When Cynthia’s retirement finally arrived in 2004, she relocated to Cedar City Utah. In retirement, she found new pleasure in cruises. In many ways, Cynthia loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Cynthia passed away on July 23, 2018 in the comfort of her own home. She fought a hard and brave battle against lung cancer. She is survived by her husband, Ron Matthews, son, Rick Matthews, step daughters, Debbie Gaglio, Linda, and Donna Matthews, and step son, Jim Matthews, her grandchildren, Sydney Anderson, Anthony Matthews, Jason Leach, Johnny Leach, Jessica Leach, Jackie Digicvanna, Tina Matthews, Tiffany Brady, Tammy Monteiro, Alysha Oroutt, and Amanda Matthews, and her brother, Greg Johnson. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cynthia was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All who knew her would agree that Cynthia was a pillar of the family. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Cynthia L. Matthews did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched were given the chance to become a better person.