Feb. 24, 1926 - May 12, 2013

ELKHART — Chester Russel Matherly passed away at age 87 Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born on Feb. 24, 1926, in Elkhart to the late Roy D. and Edna (Beers) Matherly. On Aug. 28, 1948, he married the former Doris M. Trenary in Butler.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years; son Dr. Ryan D. Matherly and his wife, Amy, of Elkhart; daughter Kyra Rolstad and her husband, Greg, of Chewelah, Wash.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Immediately upon graduation from Elkhart High School, Mr. Matherly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served during World War II. He attended Newberry College in South Carolina. Upon returning to Elkhart, Mr. Matherly began working for Indiana and Michigan Electric Co., where he retired after 40 years.

Mr. Matherly was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He was a member of Edwardsburg American Legion Post 365 and Elkhart Moose Lodge 599.

Mr. Matherly will always be remembered as an avid sports participant. He enjoyed weight lifting, water sports, snow skiing and motorcycle riding. In his later years Chet and his wife, Doris, took up ballroom dancing and became quite proficient.

Cremation has taken place. Private graveside services will be in Rice Cemetery. The U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard will render military honors and the service will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. William Hemmig.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 405 W. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home. To share a memory of Mr. Matherly with his family or to send a condolence, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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