Marilyn K. Mathews 1945-2025

Marilyn was born Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1945, to a WWII pilot and a pageant princess from Puerto Rico.

The oldest of four daughters, she spent her childhood cradled by the loving arms of her grandmother, Marcola. She was raised with breadbasket values and her cheerleading outfit.

After graduating from Brookfield High, Class of 1963, she moved to Hubbard, where she raised three loving children and later relished her beautiful bonus daughters.

A lifelong thrifting queen, with an origin story beginning with “garage saling,” she loved gardening, decorating, arts and crafts, and cooking family recipes like Spanish chicken and rice. She loved creating special gifts for loved ones, like a Fievel (the mouse) costume or the matching “Elf on the Shelf” outfit for her granddaughter’s American Girl Doll. Her artistic talent led to a jewelry-making endeavor, with her items sold at The Butler Institute of American Art.

A true “Hubbardite,” she was a dedicated community member. She was a longstanding member of Fortnightly Club, St. Patrick Church and The Garden Club. As a young mother, she dutifully participated in PTA and was a den mother for the Boy Scouts of America. Then later in life, she volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank. But her favorite way of giving back to her “sweet, little town” was spent at the Hubbard Public Library. A voracious reader, she was always game for a mystery or deep, philosophical content. She cherished every moment she spent volunteering with Friends of the Library.

Marilyn loved the sweet, beautiful bits of life: time with her children and grandchildren, watching the birds, fawning over babies, cheering for Ohio State and receiving trick or treaters. She was kind to a fault. She loved her husband’s good nature and fun, loving spirit that made her years the fairy tale we all deserve. She bragged and doted over her grandchildren like a crazy person — a person crazy enough to know life is short and the little things are what really matter. She made everyone feel special and loved.

She described her home as her Xanadu and she shared it with the absolute love of her life, her partner of 36 years, her best friend, her built-in magic and comedy show, her husband, Robert “Bob” Mathews. Sharing ice cream cones and Chinese food, laughing around the kitchen island with family and friends, they danced to the oldies and Motown. She whispered melodies of Dolly Parton, Mama Cass and Karen Carpenter as they collected the moments — a well of love as deep as the loss felt.

She gratefully passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones in her Xanadu. And no doubt her place in heaven is full of flowers, covered in twinkling lights, as she waits to clap for her loved ones when they arrive.

Her stepdaughter, Elizabeth Mathews Richardson, was waiting for her, while her husband, Robert Mathews; son, David Richmond and his wife, Kristina Richmond; daughter, Janine “Gigi” Richmond; daughter, Marsha Richmond Merry; stepdaughter, Audrey (Phil) Mathews Gallo; and her precious grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Richmond Russo, Jonathan Richmond, Quinn Richmond, Bayden Merry, Brooke Merry, Tyler Richardson, Aiden Gallo and Ava Gallo, hold her memory dear.

“Marilyn always clapped when I arrived,” her stepdaughter said. “Yeah, mom always clapped for the people she loved,” her daughter replied.

There are no calling hours or services.

Marilyn will be laid to rest in Hubbard Union Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Hubbard Public Library, 436 W. Liberty St., Hubbard, OH 44425.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to visit www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.

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