Shirley J. Matthews

Shirley June (Crowell) Matthews, age 90 of Monroe, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in her home. Born October 18, 1933 in Massillon, OH, Shirley was the daughter of the late Clifton and Catherine (Belding) Crowell-Eckroad. Shirley shared the same birthday as her older brother, Don, who claimed she was the best birthday present he ever received. She grew up in Massillon, Ohio in the same home where her grandmother raised her family. Besides her brother Donald Crowell, Shirley also had an older sister, Lois (Crowell) Schwagler, and two younger brothers Zane Eckroad and James Crowell, all of whom preceded her in death. Shirley graduated from Washington High School in Massillon in 1951 and was a lifelong fan of the Massillon Tigers, the top rival of the Canton McKinley (Ohio) Bulldogs, her future husband’s alma mater. She was introduced to her husband, Thomas Matthews, by a former Massillon classmate who had met Tom in the Navy. Shirley and Tom were married on July 9, 1955 and started their married life in Georgia, where Tom was stationed. They returned to Ohio and purchased their first home in North Canton. Along came three children, Laura, Karen and Paul. They later moved to Monroe, Michigan in 1968 where they made their home and became fully immersed in the community. Shirley and her family were welcomed into the Christ Lutheran Church in Monroe where she was active with the Altar Guild for many years. Members of the church continued to support Shirley over the years by visiting her at home and lifting her in prayer when she was no longer able to attend church in person. She was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, sewing and baking as well as caring for her husband and children and had a very close relationship with her mother-in-law. Shirley is survived by her children, Laura Matthews of Monroe, Karen (Randy) Greenwood of Livonia, MI, and Paul (Karole) Matthews of Monroe; grandchildren, Alexa Matthews, Lillian Greenwood, Clayton (Kerry) Greenwood, Ryan Matthews, Jade (David) Donnelley and Brenna (Jesse) Brancart; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and siblings, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years. Family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8th at Bacarella Funeral Home. Shirley will lie in state at 10 a.m. the following day, Tuesday Jan. 9th, at Christ Lutheran Church where services will be held at 11 a.m. The church pastor, Rev. David Hively will officiate. Cremation and interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Christ Lutheran Church or to the Frenchtown Senior Center/Adult Daycare Program. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Shirley J. Matthews

October 18, 1933 - January 2, 2024