Earlene Matthews

Earlene Mae Talbott Matthews died June 7, 2025, in Ocala, Florida, at the age of 86. Born at home in Oxford, Florida, on January 11, 1939, Earlene Mae was the youngest of seven children, five brothers and one sister. From her early days, her life was shaped by deep faith in Christ, hard work, and the bonds of a large, loving family. Earlene called Tampa, Florida, home for much of her adulthood. She worked primarily in food service at The Old Swiss House while raising her children. At the age of 42, she enrolled in college, earning an associate degree from Hillsborough Community College and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Florida. Being the first in her family to earn a college degree, she went on to enjoy a “second career” as a beloved elementary school teacher, working in both Hillsborough and Marion Counties. She and her late husband, Karl Heitzinger, Sr., spent many of their golden years in Weirsdale, Florida, hosting family and friends at their lake house they built among the orange trees. Earlene rarely turned down a dinner guest, a card game, a good book, or a new pet. She was known for her immense hospitality, radiant smile, and natural talents for playing the piano and singing. Even in recent years during her journey through dementia, she could call to mind her favorite hymns. Music was her gift. After Karl’s passing in 2011, she remarried Richard “Dick” Matthews, Sr. of Riverview. As Dick was a retired professor, they shared an avid love of reading and history, as well as their faith in Christ. She was widowed again in 2025 but has lived in long-term care since 2023 as she dealt with vascular dementia. Even during her time in care, Earlene was well-loved, especially by her caregivers. She had many friends and pastors who visited her regularly, and the family is deeply grateful for such love expressed toward her. Earlene is survived by her five children - Terri (Paul), Bruce (Mary), Bob (Cindy), Alicia (Tim), and Karli (Angie); her 12 grandchildren - Amanda, Ashley, Lee, Alexis, Alyce, Josh, Carrie, Michaela, Greta, Peter, Emma, and Gabe; and her 12 great-grandchildren - Gavin, Austin, Cora, Reid, Milo, Grace, Karly, Jonas, Jolene, Corrine, Rosy, and Beau. She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Karl, Sr.; her parents, William Earl and Iva Mae; her cherished siblings - Juddie, Charlie, Bob, Glenn, Katherine, and Paul; and her husband of the last 12 years, Richard “Dick”, Sr. A private funeral and graveside service will be held to honor Earlene’s life and legacy. During this tender time, the family’s wish is for this to be an intimate gathering of close friends and relatives. They deeply appreciate the love, prayers, and support from all who knew Earlene and invite you to celebrate her memory with a song, an act of kindness, or a belly laugh. Roberts Funeral Home Downtown Chapel in Ocala will be handling the services for Earlene and her family. All services are private, for family and close friends, please. Monday, June 16th at 10am - Visitation, 11am Funeral Service Pastor Tim Gilligan will officiate. Following the service, Earlene will be laid to rest in a family-only burial service at the Nichols Family Cemetery in Oxford. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse in Earlene’s honor.

Earlene Matthews

January 11, 1939 - June 7, 2025