Obituary of Barbara Anne Matthews

Barbara Anne Matthews (Rance), age 94, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, in Minneapolis, MN.

Born February 17, 1930, to Ernest and Elsie Rance in London, UK Barbara first came to the United States in the 1950’s and lived in Chicago with her older sister Pat and her husband Gordon who were Officers in the Salvation Army, as were her parents. Barbara attended Training College and too served with the Salvation Army with assignments in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan. After her service she took civilian employment with the British Embassy in Chicago, followed by an Administrative Position at Midway Hospital in St. Paul, MN, and lastly as an Executive Assistant for the Saint Paul Housing and Urban Development Authority. It was here, in the fall of 1972, while tasked with securing additional office equipment, Barbara met Charles Matthews, a Sales Representative for IBM. A lunch date followed by a dinner date the same day began their enduring love story. The two wed in February of 1973 and then made a home together in St Paul, MN.

Barbara enjoyed a deep relationship with her faith and love of music fostered by her father who was a music educator/musician his entire life. Barbara was curious and inquisitive about everything and enjoyed meeting new people, good conversation, travel, and reading.

She is preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Elsie Rance; sister, Patricia Coles; brother, Richard Rance; and husband, Charles E Matthews Jr.

Survived by sister, Sheila Stevens and brother-in-law, Eric Stevens.

Memorial Service, Thursday, April 18 at 11:00 AM at the Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave S Edina, MN. Visitation one hour prior to service. Joint Interment with husband, Charles, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery after service.

Memorials preferred to Grace Hospice: https://www.gracecaring.org/care/