Submitted by: Dan Rich

Betty J. Mathews

July 10, 1923 - April 27, 2000

South Bend Tribune 4/30/2000

Betty J. (Mathioudakis) Mathews, 76, of Wolcottville, Ind., died on Thursday, April 27, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Ms. Mathews was a teacher and coach for 38 years at South Bend Central and South Bend LaSalle High School, retiring in 1983. Ms. Mathews was born on July 10, 1923, to Nick and Lucille (Arnold) Mathioudakis in Fort Wayne, Ind. She is survived by her brother, Robert Mathioudakis; nieces, Beth and Miki Mathioudakis; nephews, Mike and Nick Mathioudakis; and by six great-nieces and nephews, all of Indianapolis. Ms. Mathews graduated from Fort Wayne Central High School in 1941, and received her undergraduate degree in secondary education from Ball State in 1945. She also earned a master's degree from Indiana University. Upon graduation Ms. Mathews taught physical education and coached several successful volleyball teams. She also coordinated the cheerleading squads, and was an early pioneer in synchronized swimming. She received numerous awards and accolades during her career, including the prestigious George Cooper Award and South Bend Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Mathews was a standout athlete in her youth, excelling in softball, gymnastics, swimming, basketball, track and field, and volleyball. Due to the relative lack of facilities and coaching for female athletes in her day, Ms. Mathews frequently trained with the men's coaches and teams. Ms. Mathews owned a summer home at Adams Lake in Wolcottville and taught many local children to water ski. For many years she coordinated a ski show featuring the local youth she taught to ski. She remained active as an athlete and continued to water ski until her 50s. Ms. Mathews retired to her lake home in 1983. Ms. Mathews was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Rome City Post #381.

Funeral services will be today, April 30, with visitation from 4 to 5 p.m. and services at 5 p.m. in the Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home in Kendallville, Ind. Private graveside services will be on Monday, May 1, in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, Ind. Memorials may be made on behalf of Ms. Mathews to the American Legion Auxiliary.