Obituary of Elaine Sahs Matthews

Elaine Sahs Matthews was born July 18, 1938 in Chicago, IL to Willard and Frieda Sahs. On June 27, 1964 she married Darrell David Matthews, also of Chicago, at Park Ridge Baptist Church.

Elaine graduated from Niles Township High School in Skokie, IL in 1956 and graduated from the State University of Iowa in 1961. She taught Spanish in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills and Wauconda High School before moving to the Quad Cities in 1978. She taught special education at United Township High School and Arrowhead Ranch. She retired in June 2005 after having taught for 28 years.

While in the Chicago area, she was a member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), active in the PTA, Cub Scouts and First Congregational Church.

While teaching at Arrowhead Ranch, she was a member of IEA-NEA (Illinois Education Association) and MEA; awarded Staff of the Year; Volunteer of the Year Award for serving as Chairman of the carnival games at Round-Up for 18 years; Bi-State Literacy Award; John Deere School District 40 Award; Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers; and was a member of Delta Kapa Gamma Society International, serving on both the state and local boards.

She was also a member of the Mississippi River Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America, active in Illinois Retired Teachers, was a member of the First Congregational Church of Moline and involved with the Quad City Village People (a collectors club of Dept. 56 Villages).

Elaine was a dedicated teacher who believed “To teach is to touch a life forever.” Elaine also enjoyed gardening, reading, world-wide travelling with her husband and decorating her home for Christmas. She was also an avid collector of salt cellars and was a member of MOSS (Midwest Salt Society).

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Darrell, her son Scott (Jakki) and her daughter Wendi. A service will take place March 11, 2020 at 3 P.M. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.