Bill Mathews

Bill Mathews was born “Wilvan Woodrow Mathews” on June 17, 1942 in Reno Nevada. His parents Woodrow George Mathews and Verda Lorraine McBride were both only children, thus Bill and had no aunts, uncles, or cousins. Bill had one younger sister, Carol Lynne.

As a youth in Carson City Nevada, Bill and his friends would ride bikes to the local swimming pool, play baseball, and fish on the Truckee River. In high school, Bill played football and basketball. Bill graduated as the Salutatorian from Carson High School in 1960. Throughout his life, Bill loved the outdoors, and especially loved being in the Great Basin having the horizon filled with mountains and the air filled with sage.

After high school, Bill joined the Army. He spent three years, stationed in Germany, and returned home in 1966. Bill was always proud to have served his country. He and his family is also grateful for the dedicated service that the folks at Veterans Affairs have provided through the years. After his military service he returned to college at the University of Nevada, Reno.

While at UNR, Bill met and married Rosemary Olsen on August 25, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. They continued their education together with Bill obtaining several degrees including a Bachelor’s of Science, a Bachelor’s of Engineering, and a Master’s of Mechanical Engineering. In addition to his focus on science, Bill also studied voice with Rosemary’s vocal teacher, Ted Puffer, and had supporting roles in several Nevada Opera Company performances. Throughout their marriage, Bill was Rosemary’s biggest fan and ALWAYS encouraged her to take opportunities to sing. That often meant that Bill was at home with the children while Rosemary was away singing.

Upon graduation, Bill worked as an engineer and general manager at facilities, mostly around the West. His career included working at China Lake’s Naval Weapons Center; Indiana State University-Professor; Morton Thiokol in Promontory/Brigham City Utah; Teleflex in Spanish Fork, and Woodgrain Manufacturing in Fruitland Idaho. Each of these opportunities were important to the man he became. He was blessed to do a great deal of travelling for his work and spent considerable time in Europe and Asia.

As an adult, Bill was extremely active In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints serving in several locations as the President of the Local Elder’s Quorum. He taught early morning seminary for 8 years in Nevada and California. He also taught Institute for the LDS Church at Indiana State along with his engineering assignments.

Bill leaves behind his wife of 59 years and their six children and 19 grandchildren. Their children include Michael Luke, Lara Marlies, Rebecca Jane, Timothy Olsen, Benjamin Dee, and Deborah Ruth. Bill was extremely proud of his family and mentioned them by name in his daily prayers. All of his children have followed his lead in gaining degrees in higher education. Two families live in Texas, one in Oregon and three in Utah. The family loved their grandpa and that love was very important to Bill.

Bill passed away at home on October, 6 2026, surrounded by family and love.