Jackie Mathews, 92, of Helena, passed away 2/27/23. A memorial service will be held May 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 512 Logan Street. A reception will follow at the same location.

Jackie Mathews, 92, of Helena, passed away Feb. 28, 2023.

She was born March 22, 1930, to Ted and Nellie (McCulloch) Pettyjohn in Great Falls. They lived at the Landers' place on Truly Bench near her paternal grandparents until she was seven. While there, she went to a one-room school with two other students, all in different grades. In 1937, her family moved 13 miles away and she attended Sand Coulee schools through the eighth grade. She graduated from Great Falls High School in 1948.

In 1952, she graduated from Montana State College with a degree in Applied Science. On her birthday that same year, she married Perry C. Mathews, with whom she had been pen pals with for eight years.

Thus, began what she referred to as "the Army years." Jackie taught at Choteau High School while Perry did basic training at Fort Lewis, Camp Roberts, Sandia Base and, finally Killeen Base in Texas, where their oldest daughter, Terri, was born in 1954. They moved back to Bozeman soon after. While Perry attended MSC to earn two degrees (Ag-Ed and Industrial Arts), Jackie taught at the college. Their second daughter, Trudi, was born in 1956. The family moved to Bigfork in 1957, where they resided for 9 years, teaching at Bigfork High School, building a house, and in 1963, adding one more child, Ted, to the family. In 1966, they moved to Helena, where Jackie has lived ever since. Perry passed away on a hunting trip in 1984.

In Helena, Jackie worked as a teacher and an election judge. She attended St. Paul's Methodist Church and was an active member of United Methodist Women. She enjoyed reading, refinishing old furniture, traveling and needlework.

Survivors include her children: Terri Dood (Arnie) of Bozeman, Trudi Mathews (Bruce Williams) of Highland Ranch, CO and Ted Mathews (Shelly) of Helena; grandchildren: Tiffany Chaloux (Alex), Tyson Williams (Kasey McHugh), Tasia Williams, Jordan Dood, Rylee Kelly (Cameron) and Taylor Mathews; great-grandsons: Oliver Chaloux and Hayden Kelly; sister, Janis Church; and cousin, Dick Graham (Melanie).

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Thank you to Beehive North and Enhabit Hospice for the care provided, and to St. Paul's Methodist Church for your friendship.