Elaine Faye Neill Mathewson, 86, of Sutter, passed away at 4:13 am Sunday, April
27, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.
Elaine was born December 25, 1938, the daughter of William Ray and Nellie Mae
(Prather) Neill in Disco, Illinois. She grew up on a farm in the Stillwell, IL, area and
graduated from Bowen High School in 1957. On August 10, 1957, she was united
in marriage to George James Mathewson at Sutter Salem Bible Church. Elaine
enjoyed being a farmwife and was active in the Home Extension. She was always
supporting her children in their activities such as 4-H, FFA, band, and various
sporting events. That support carried on throughout her life into her
grandchildren’s lives. Elaine worked as a cook for Montebello Nursing Home and
Robert Morris College. She then became the head baker for County Market in
Keokuk. Besides cooking and baking, Elaine also enjoyed making crafts. She was
an active member of Sutter Salem Bible Church for as long as she was able.
Elaine is survived by her 5 children, Marcia Mathewson of Sutter, Rodney
Mathewson of Springfield, Missouri, Cheryl Gerhardt of Mendon, Randy
Mathewson of Sutter, and Rob Mathewson of St. Charles, Missouri;
grandchildren, Alyssa (Joe) Craven, Aaron Gerhardt, Alayna (Kallin) Crile, Alicyn
Gerhardt, Elizabeth (Corban) Moore and Eleanor “Ella” Mathewson; great
grandchildren, James and Harrison Craven and Waylon Moore; and two nieces,
Sharon “Sheri” (Buddy) Renner and Joyce (D.J.) Whitaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George, in 2002; son-in-law,
Robert Gerhardt; two sisters, Wylda Steinkuhler and Helen Ruffcorn; brothers-in-
law Leroy Steinkuhler and Lester Ruffcorn; and niece, Sue Ruffcorn.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, May 2, 2025, at Sutter Salem
Bible Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held
from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw.

Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army in Keokuk or Sutter Salem Bible
Church. Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.