Mildred Reed Matthews

Mildred Reed Matthews, 92, passed away at her home in Vancouver, Washington, on August 4, 2015. Mrs. Matthews was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1923. In 1947, she married Richard M. Matthews, SR. of Deer Trail, Colorado. They were married for 67 years at the time of Mrs. Matthews' death. In 1943, Mrs. Matthews enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Office of Naval Communications (ONC). While assigned to the ONC, her unit was engaged in the breaking and deciphering of various Japanese naval codes. Of her multiple military commendations, one was submitted by both General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz for efforts which resulted in the destruction of the Japanese submarine force due to ONC reading submarines' messages and dispatching U.S. naval forces to attack the submarines. From 1948 until 1951 she worked and supported her husband while he earned a college degree. In 1952, Mrs. Matthews again entered the intelligence world when she went to work for the National Security Agency. In 1959, Mrs. Matthews became a mother and full-time homemaker until her death in 2015. Mrs. Matthews is survived by her children - Richard M. Matthews, JR., Roberta J. Edwards, and Elizabeth J. Hobbs; his grandchildren - Richard M. Matthews III, Shannon R. Matthews, David R. Edwards, Michael J. Edwards, Jolene E. Hobbs, and Kaylee A. Hobbs; and great-grandchildren - Caitlin R. Matthews, Kaleah R. Matthews, and Evaleigh D. Matthews. Sadly, Mrs. Matthews was proceeded in death by her son, Robert M. Matthews. Mrs. Matthews' memorial service was delayed so both her and Mr. Matthews could be interred side by side at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the San Antonio Food Bank, safoodbank.org/donate/.