Nancy Matthews

Long Beach Peninsula native Nancy Ann Matthews, 54, passed away January 18, 2012 after a year and half battle with cancer. Born July 23, 1957 in Ilwaco, Washington, she was the daughter of Bud and Lillian (Tinker) Matthews. Nancy was a dedicated employee to Chinook Packing Cannery and Bell Buoy Crab Company. She loved her work here on the peninsula so much that she even participated in statewide competitions for fish filleting and crab shaking. When not at work her hobbies were combing the beach after a storm or "stomping" for clams. Nancy's roots on the peninsula go further back than her birth. Her grandmother's family (Clara Tinker), were the original founders of the Peninsula; it was named then "Tinkerville" in 1880. It was not until 1922 when the town would become Long Beach. Nancy is survived by three children, a daughter Marie Keever and husband Matthew of Eugene, Oregon, a son Ronald Elias Jr. of Ocean Park and a daughter Sydney Cox and husband Jeff of Eagle Creek, Oregon. Surviving her also is her sister Melanie Grill and husband Bill of Ocean Park, WA, Marian Kent and husband Kevin of Boring, Oregon and sister Jeanne Jackson of Portland, Oregon. She was also blessed with four grandchildren. Nancy lived for her family and friends. Loved life, and lived it to the fullest. A celebration of her life will be held later this year on the peninsula with family and friends. Arrangements entrusted to Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach.