Joan Atwood (Monasmith) Mathews was born October 5, 1931, to Ruth A (Pribbeno) Monasmith and Marion Monasmith at the home of her grandparents, Edward G. and Fern A. (Tibbetts) Pribbeno ranch 12 miles southeast of Imperial, NE on the south divide.

She attended kindergarten to eighth grade at Dist. #42 Lamar, NE. On April 14, 1940, she was baptized with brothers Donald and John and sister, Fern at St. John’s Lutheran Church by Rev. Marcus W. Wilk, later the congregation joined St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Venango and she was confirmed by Rev. H.G. Inselmann on June 2, 1946.

She attended Concordia High School in Seward, NE her freshman and sophomore years and graduated from Chase County High School in Imperial, class of 1950 and received a certificate through normal training allowing her to teach.

Following a devastating tornado which struck the Monasmith farm on June 3, 1947, the family moved to the Crete Community that September. Joan taught at the original Dist. #66 in Chase County. It was through Joan’s friendship with Lavon Mathews that she met and fell in love with brother Boyd.

On December 26, 1950, Joan and William Boyd Mathews were united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, CO with Rev. R. Einspahr officiating. On June 1, 1954, Tamma Jo Mathews blessed their home, which was located 9 miles west, ¼ mile South of Imperial, NE. On September 19, 1957, Tod William Mathews blessed them with his arrival to complete their family.

Joan assisted with 4-H when Tammi and Tod were members. She liked gardening and raising flowers and enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. She was faithful in her attendance at Zion Lutheran Church. She sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School for many years.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Boyd; mother and father-in-law, Bill and Edna Mathews; brothers, Donald and John; brothers-in-law: Dean McCoy, Kent Doetker, Byrdell Mathews, Bill Pilchuk; sisters-in-law: Vonnie Monasmith, Amy Monasmith, Lavon Pilchuk, Susie Doetker, Gloria Mathews; nephew, Matt Pilchuk and numerous cousins and special friends.

Joan is survived by her children, Tammi and Tod Mathews; daughter-in-law, Diane; sister, Fern McCoy, brother-in-law Gary (Joy) Mathews, sisters-in-law, Mary Monasmith, Debra Jones

She was the proud grandmother to Ryan Butler, Mandy Vaughn, Josh (Sara) Mathews, Jacob (Amanda) Mathews, Jeremy (Katie Jo) Mathews. Great grandmother to seven great grandchildren, Ryker, Scarlett, Presley, Jackson, Waylon, Emily and Ian; she is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and special cousins.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Imperial Manor/Park View Heights or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. (MT) at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial with Pastor Scott Adle officiating. A private family inurnment will be held later at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com Liewer Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.