Martha "Jo" Mathews, 91, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Pioneer Lodge in Coldwater, KS.  Born August 18, 1929, at Wilmore, KS, she was the oldest of eight children born to Lester Paul Fry, Sr. and Clarice E. (McMillin) Fry.

Martha was a longtime resident of Illinois, recently moving to Coldwater, KS.  She graduated from Wilmore High School in 1947; attended Pratt JUCO in Pratt, KS; received a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Education from Emporia State University in Emporia, KS; and earned a P.H.D. from Heed University in Hollywood, FL.  Martha spent her lifetime working in education, both as a teacher and administrator.  She married Jim Mathews and they were later divorced.

Martha was a lifetime member of Coldwater Order of Eastern Star; Chicago Botanical Gardens; Daughters of the American Revolution; N.E.A.; and I.E.A.  She was a strong supporter of Wilmore, KS and Comanche County, KS, never forgetting where she was raised.  She will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor and will be missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by three sisters: Carol Swaney of Chesterfield, MO, Barbara Delaney of Wilmore, KS, and Doris Fry of Maize, KS; one brother: John Fry of Coldwater, KS; in-laws: Floyd Fleming, Beth Fry, Norine Fry, Constance Wray, and Brenda Fry; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three siblings: Eloise Fleming, Les Fry, Jr., and Bill Fry; in-laws: Gene Swaney and J.B. Delaney; and longtime friend and colleague: Janet Freund.

A memorial service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wilmore Cemetery, Wilmore Community Center, or Wilmore Fire Department in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.