From PEOPLE

ROBERT MATTHEWS Click on photo to open album, enlarge photo or to leave comment.

PROPHETSTOWN – Ralph I. Matthews, 83, of 611 E. Third, Prophetstown, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford. He farmed in the Prophetstown area, retiring in 1995. Mr. Matthews was born April 2, 1926, in Prophetstown, the son of Howard and Martha (Winkler) Matthews. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Doris Sandrock on Dec. 6, 1950, in Yorktown. She preceded him in death on April 27, 1957. He married Arlene Plautz on June 3, 1961, in Rock Falls. She preceded him in death on June 10, 1997. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown. Survivors include a son, David (Cathy) Matthews of Prophetstown; three daughters, Theresa (Paul) Kohs of Westchester, Debra (Ken) Jackson of Overland Park, Kan., and Dawn (Robert) Adams of Geneseo; and 10 grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn and George Matthews. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Friday at First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Greg Olson, pastor, officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home, 320 Lafayette Ave., Prophetstown. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent at www.bosmarenkes.com on the Internet.