Viola Matthews

Viola M. Matthews, 88, of Elliottsburg, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at UPMC West Shore. Born on October 16, 1937, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late John E. Paulus, Sr. and Pearl (Simmons) Paulus. Viola was a 1957 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School. After graduation, she worked at Keystone Trust Company in Harrisburg until meeting and marrying Merle. She then embraced life as a farm wife, raising their three children, caring for her grandchildren, and lovingly looking after many other children over the years. To many, she was simply known as "Grammy." Viola was always willing to lend a helping hand. She volunteered in making peanut butter eggs at Mannsville Church and assisted with activities at the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association. She was a familiar face alongside Merle and his draft horses at Williams Grove, Shermans Valley Heritage Days and the Schaefferstown Historic Farm, and together they welcomed family and friends each October for a pig roast and wagon ride on their farm. In her earlier years, she enjoyed freezing vegetables and was especially known for making the best strawberry jam. Kind, generous, and selfless, Viola was never one to complain. She treasured farm life, loved being surrounded by children, and enjoyed watching her favorite television shows. Her gentle spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. In addition to her parents, Viola was preceded in death by her husband, Merle E. Matthews, Sr. She is survived by her three children, Paul J. Matthews (Marsha), Donna Brubaker (Swade Rotz), and Merle E. Matthews, Jr. (Nancy); eight grandchildren, Rebecca, Morgan, Evan, Marissa, Samantha, Courtney, Jacob, and Aaron; and seven great-grandchildren and one on the way. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Boyer Family Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield, with Pastor Dennis Probst officiating. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Rolling Green Memorial Gardens in Camp Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local fire company in Viola's memory. The Boyer Family is honored to handle arrangements for the Matthews Family

Viola Matthews

October 16, 1937 - July 13, 2026