Beverly "Bev" Matthys

Beverly “Bev” Jeanne Matthys

Bev, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep April 18, 2026. She was born May 19,1938 in South Bend, IN to Joseph and Esther Horvath. 

As a young girl, Bev enjoyed riding her horse and playing with the family’s collie.  Bev attended Greene Township School from first through 12th grade.  In high school, she was a cheerleader, yearbook editor and in the school plays. Following graduation, she earned a degree as a registered nurse (RN) from the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she went on to work. Bev married her high school sweetheart, Ron Matthys, and they had five children: Sue, Sandy, Sheryl, Steve, and Scott.

After her firstborn, Bev became a full-time homemaker.  She frequently volunteered at her children’s school and often served as the nurse on field trips.  She also found joy in creative pursuits including ceramics, crafting, crocheting, knitting, decorating, making gift baskets, and sewing clothes for her daughters and their Barbies.  Bev loved music (especially Elvis) and learned to play the organ later in life. She enjoyed line dancing and breakfast gatherings with cousins, dining out with family and friends, and entertaining in her home. She attended many sporting events and theatrical performances of her children and grandchildren. She was an active participant in several card and book clubs, bible studies, and served as president of the St. Joseph County Extension Homemakers. 

In later years, Bev and Ron became active in the Michiana Corvette Club. They liked visiting nearby states and drove their red Corvette in local parades, waving to spectators with a large Mickey Mouse glove.  Bev was also an avid collector of plates and figurines.

Bev organized several memorable family RV trips to Florida.  As empty nesters, she and Ron became snowbirds, spending time in Bradenton Beach and Sarasota, Florida. While there, she especially enjoyed watching sunsets at the beach, musical performances, shopping, dining out, playing board games, traveling on cruises, and visiting with classmates at reunions.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Esther Horvath, and her beloved husband, Ron.

She is survived by her brother Ronald Horvath (Nancy); half-sister Donna Horvath; children Sue Cinnamon (Marvin); Sandy Roob (Mitch); Sheryl Matthys; Steve Matthys (Suzi); Scott Matthys (Julie); and grandchildren Lee Szczypski; Trey and Reagan Roob; Kai and Keegan Connor; Nick, Grant and Luke Matthys; and Kyle Matthys. 

A visitation will be held at Kaniewski Funeral Home in South Bend on Friday, April 24 beginning at 9:30 am with a funeral service in the same location at 11:30 am.  An internment will take place at Riverview Cemetery Mausoleum, with a luncheon to follow.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Primrose Retirement Community, and most recently Wedgewood Pines Assisted Living, and Luminary Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Purdue Extension-St. Joseph County and sent to 125 S. Lafayette Blvd. 2nd fl., South Bend, IN 46601, for homemakers programming.

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beverly "Bev" Matthys, please visit our floral store.