Nancy Riegel Matthews

Nancy Riegel Matthews

   Nancy Riegel Matthews, 88, of Athens, passed away October 27 with family by her side. She was known for her vibrant personality, was fully present in the lives of family and friends and active in the community for over 73 years.  She lit up every room, gave generously of her time, and was passionate about a wide variety of social and local causes. She was a devoted grandmother who faithfully attended school activities, sporting events, birthday parties, and loved hosting family dinners.  She loved & lived life to the fullest, every day.

   Nancy was born October 15, 1935, in Jackson, Ohio, to the late Electa Evans and Frank Riegel. As a child, her family lived in Jackson, Millersburg, Norwalk, and Medina, before moving to Athens in 1950. She graduated from Athens High School in 1953 and received a business degree from Ohio University in 1957. 

   Her family moved to Canton in 1953, and two years later Nancy was selected as Miss Canton Sesquicentennial.  She received a new Ford convertible and a trip to Bermuda but sold them to finance her junior and senior years at Ohio University, where she also had four part-time jobs to help cover expenses. She was proud to be the first hostess in the University’s Baker Center faculty dining room that opened in 1955. 

   Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Robert B. Matthews, of Athens, in 1956. They were together for 55 years, until his death in 2011.  In their early years, she was a loyal and enthusiastic Air Force wife while stationed in Michigan, Texas, Florida, California, and Puerto Rico.  In 1968, they returned to Athens to run The Sportsman restaurant.  Nancy was not only a co-owner, but planned and managed banquets, and other celebratory events to make them as enjoyable and memorable as possible.  She was also the hostess-in-chief but did far more than greet and seat customers. She remembered their favorite tables; asked about their recent trips; sat with them to exchange stories and entertained their kids. Nancy and her husband made The Sportsman a special place for employees, customers, and community for nearly 30 years before their retirement in 1997. 

   In the community, Nancy was the founder and first president of Athens Friends and Newcomers, and an adviser to the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.  She was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, numerous Social Clubs, and found time to earn her pilots license at the age of 55.  In 2012, Ohio University honored her as one of the “Women of the Decade” representing the 1950s.  Never bored, she swam, travelled, shared stories with friends, and listened to over 300 audio books in the last 18 months of life.

   Nancy is survived by her son, Michael (Ann) Matthews; daughter, Machelle (Robert) Stewart; four grandchildren: Christopher (Gracie) Matthews; Kellyann (Chris) Anderson; Riley (Matthew) Lichtenstein; Rachel (Bryce) Duke; nine great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Debbie (Chip) Horvath.  Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Matthews (2011), son-in-law, Judge Robert W. Stewart (2020), grandson Gavin Stewart (1989) and great-grandson Madden Matthews (2010).

   Following Nancy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.  A private graveside service will be held at the West Union Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers and to honor Nancy’s memory, please brighten someone’s life by sharing some of your time, talent, and treasure with others.

   Arrangements have been entrusted to Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home in Athens, OH.  You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com