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Phyllis West (Dixon-Mathews) - 7/29/1997

Class of 1938

Anchorage Daily News August 1, 1997

Longtime Anchorage resident Phyllis Dixon Matthews, 77, died of heart failure July 29, 1997, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. A graveside memorial prayer was at Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery, with J.L. McCarrey officiating. Pallbearers were Rick Maurer, Ron Maurer, Darryl Nelson, Doug Dixon, Brian Dixon and Robbie Dixon. At Mrs. Matthews' request, no visitation or services were held. A gathering of friends and family followed at the home of her son.

Mrs. Matthews was born Feb. 22, 1920, in Lindon, Utah. She was a 1938 graduate of Pleasant Grove High in Utah and attended one year of college at the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1970. Mrs. Matthews had lived in Anchorage since 1958. In 1959, she worked as a waitress at Club Paris and later at Golden Nugget. She worked at Betty's Cleaners from 1963 to 1969 as a manager in the Mountain View office. After graduating from college, she went to work for K & L Distributors as a secretary. She also assisted with her husband's business, Dixon Upholstery, until 1970. After retiring from the Teamsters in 1977, she assisted with her daughter's business, Jewel Arts. Mrs. Matthews was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had been nominated for Best Dressed Woman in Anchorage in 1971, 1972 and 1973. She enjoyed sewing and square dancing, was a member of the Elks Club and was active with the Teamsters recreation club for many years. Her family said: ''Phyllis was a many faceted and talented person. She loved the people around her. She loved life. She was a friend to all and enjoyed helping anyone in need. Her family and friends will miss her greatly.'' Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her husbands, Bob Dixon and Gene Matthews; and son David Dixon.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Phyllis Dale and Dennis Maurer and Jim and Peggy Dixon; sisters and brother-in-law, Belva Adams of Lehi, Utah, and Dolores and Morris Wendte of Anchorage; brothers and sisters-in-law, Julian and Odetta West of Salt Lake City and Farrel and Nelda West of St. George, Utah; seven grandchildren and their spouses; and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to a charity of choice. Arrangements were by Kehl's Forest Lawn Mortuary and Crematory.

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