Matheny, Dorothy D.

Dorothy D. Matheny, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died at Mercy Medical Center on Saturday, April 17, 2010. Services: 1 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel by the Rev. Bob Dagit. Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and after noon Friday at the funeral home.

Survivors include sons, Scott (Marsha) Matheny of Hutchinson, Kan., and Virgil (Irene) Matheny of Rohnert Park, Calif.; daughters-in-law, Sandra and Shirley Matheny; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two husbands; and sons, Vernon, Robert, and Timothy.

Dorothy was born April 21, 1927, the 10th of 10 in Brighton to Frank and Blanch Coombs. She married Gordon Keyes in 1943. He was killed in action in World War II. She married Donald Matheny in 1946. He died in 1991.

Dorothy was always up for an adventure. Her truest belief behind Jesus was “make an adventure out of it.” She always was true to her word and brought along newborns to octogenarians. She was not just a traveler or guide, but a caregiver as well - not just the “blowing noses, wiping tears” kind. She truly cared for everybody and everything, whether it was a homemade recycled junk masterpiece by a child. She would leave her dishes, wipe her hands and go out to heap praise and lavish attention to the birdhouse or new go-cart creation. “Multi-tasking” was a byproduct of her everyday routine. She could talk on the phone while ironing a shirt; give directions to five sons while receiving instructions from her husband as she cooked and prepared a meal without skipping a beat. It all got done.

Even though she spoke softly, you soon knew that she was “Wall Street.” It did not matter who might think they owned it, controlled it, or could manipulate it. Home and family were her domain and hers to direct to her will. She was fair-minded to a fault but it was going to be her way! She could make lye soap and can fruits, vegetables and jams better than Dole or Smuckers; even baked pies with translucent crusts almost as good as her mother's, but no one before or since has come near to her cookies!

For Dorothy, mother, the Queen, mom, or friend; however you knew her was the dynamic force of love that lifted you, encouraged, directed or brought out the best of life, independence and opportunity wherever it might be hidden behind a

broken heart, lost dream, or skinned knee. She never coddled a soul; she caressed hearts as a mother to hundreds, whether kindred, or biological. They were all hers and all the same. We were blessed to have her with us. We would not do better than to be all that she believed of us and to emulate all that she lived.

You have passed into the heavenly portal; no better security gate, as a happy traveler, you have arrived at your final destination. Would that we would do as well in our lives to make your memory proud.

Memorials may be directed to the family.