Ruth L. (Welch) Mathews of Easton, formerly of Brockton and Bridgewater died Tuesday December 29, 2009 at her home surrounded by her family. She was the devoted wife for 56 years of the late Dr. Molyneaux P. Mathews. For the past 7 years Ruth had resided in Easton and previously lived in Brockton for over 50 years and Bridgewater. Born and raised in Boston, Ruth was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Margaret (Galvin) Welch. Following high school she attended Katherine Gibbs School and was a legal secretary in Boston before her marriage.
Ruth was an active member at Thorny Lea Golf Course for over 60 years and was one of the first women to be admitted as a member. She enjoyed playing golf and dining with her friends in the women’s group. She was also a member of the Brockton Hospital Guild, the Charity Guild, Catholic Charities, Twentieth Century Catholic Club and the Women’s Sodality of Our Lady of Lourdes. She had been a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and St. Ann Church. Ruth enjoyed her summers in Cataumet and was extremely devoted to her family and grandchildren.
Ruth was the mother of Dr. Molyneaux P. Mathews and his wife Patricia of North Falmouth; Wayne R. Mathews and his wife Christine of Easton and Maureen P. Butler and her husband Daniel of Topsfield. She was the grandmother of Marnie Butler of Boxborough, Lauren Kelly of Winchester, Matthew Butler of Danvers, Molyneaux Mathews of New York City and Patrick Mathews of Boston. She also leaves 3 great grandchildren Peter, Anna and Emma Kelly and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was the sister of the late David, John, Marion, Walter and Dr. Edward Welch and Dorothy Hayes.
Funeral from the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Monday at 8 am. Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church 439 West Street, Brockton at 9 am. Burial in Melrose Cemetery. Visiting hours Sunday 3-6 pm. Donations in Ruth’s name may be made to Hospice of Greater Brockton/Boston 500 Belmont Street Suite 215 Brockton, MA 02301.