Evelyn May Mathews

Evelyn May Mathews, 89, passed away on June 18, 2026 in Urbandale.

She was born on November 25, 1936 in Guthrie County, Iowa, the daughter of Clifford and Fern (Scott) Nickel. Her father worked in the coal mine there until he began farming near Guthrie Center in 1944 when Evelyn was 7 years old. She was the second oldest of five, one of two oldest sisters followed by three boys. These two sisters would become best friends for life until Molly’s death in 2017. They attempted to mother the boys, but the boys weren’t having it.

Molly and Evelyn rode their horses to country schools for several years before going to Guthrie Center when Molly started high school. Evelyn graduated in 1955, and then moved to Des Moines where she lived with Molly and worked. She spent some time in Omaha in Bible School and then returned back to Des Moines. Evelyn was a bookkeeper, a profession she took seriously.

On June 23,1957, Evelyn was married to Keith Mathews, whom she met at a church event where they were both ushering. Keith and Evelyn started their family, and it grew. They raised 4 children: Johanna, Steve, Heidie and Naomi. Their lives quickly became centered around the church and family. Keith and Evelyn loved the Lord and found great joy in serving His people. For many decades, Evelyn taught the kids, many of whom came to know Jesus through her. They had many circles of friends over the years.

Evelyn’s parents moved to Missouri where Fern passed away in 1977. Clifford eventually moved back to Des Moines to live with Keith and Evelyn, and she cared for him until he passed away in 1989.

Evelyn’s most important mission was to raise her family in church and to teach them the ways of the Lord. Their lives revolved around all the many activities and services. As a result, all of her kids serve in ministry, some as credentialed pastors and others in lay ministry. Several of the grandchildren are also credentialed pastors serving the Lord. Her legacy lives on.

From the time her kids were small, the Mathews family began a tradition of vacationing in northern Minnesota. These trips turned into generations of memories as they continued over the years. Some of the greatest of times were had at Frye Camp, which continues to be talked about today.

Evelyn had the gift of hospitality, always welcoming college kids and friends for Sunday dinner and caring for numerous foster children over the years. Her door was always open and a meal was offered.

Evelyn was extremely proud of her grandchildren, and she loved hearing about their activities. From the years of making everyone pajamas to the Christmas gatherings of games and fun, the Mathews family has continued to enjoy time together.

Her beloved Keith passed away in 2013. Evelyn continued to love her family, and when the great-grandkids started coming, she enjoyed it even more.

Evelyn spent her last 3 years in Assisted Living at Senior Suites in Urbandale, where she was loved by residents and staff alike. In fact, she was known as the puzzle queen there. She brought people together by sitting down at a puzzle and inviting others to join her. They will truly miss her.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Fern (Scott) Nickel; her husband, Keith; her sister, Molly Mehalovich; her brothers Bill Nickel and Danny Nickel; and her son-in-law, Scott Bobenhouse.

She is survived her loving children, Johanna Bobenhouse of West Des Moines, Steve (Jan) Mathews of Urbandale, Heidie (Don) Bates of Council Bluffs, and Naomi (Phil) Waldo of Boone; twelve grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren with another on the way; her brother, Wayne Nickel of Guthrie Center, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. Her legacy lives on in each of them, and they will miss her deeply.

Services for Evelyn Mathews will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation an hour before service.

Memorials may be directed to the family and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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