Mrs. Esther Welsh Matthews, 95, of Austell, GA, died Wednesday, Oct 17, 2012 at Wellstar Community Hospice in Austell, GA.

Born on October 1, 1917 in Washington, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Harry Hayes Welsh and Ethyl Helwick Welsh. Esther was a member of the Hartwell Garden Club, Ladies Auxillary, American Legion Post 109, Hartwell Ladies Golf Association, both the Wednesday and Thursday Bridge Clubs, and the Hartwell First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters: Nancy Matthews of Colorado Springs, CO, Sue Clark of Marietta, GA; one son, Robert Millwood "Woody" Matthews of Greenville, SC; four grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren also survive. Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert M. Matthews, Jr.; two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at Hartwell First United Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart officiating.A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. A private graveside service will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, special memorials can be made to Hartwell First United Methodist Church, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell, GA30643 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 1925 Century Blvd- Suite 10, Atlanta, GA30345-3315.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.