William George Matthews, Betty Ruth Wagner
William George Matthews
William George Matthews, age 64, of Tipton, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, as the result of a motorcycle accident. Willie was born on April 27, 1961, to his parent, John Earl Matthews and Helen T. (Tebbe) Matthews. On September 5, 1990, Willie married the love of his life, Tabitha (Young) Matthews. The two were thankful to enjoy nearly 35 years together.
Willie graduated from Kokomo High School in the class of 1979. He did several different types of work through the years to earn a living, but he always had a heart for farming. He was employed with AG Tebbe Farms most of his life. Willie always considered it an honor to work and care for his family’s farm. His passion for agriculture was only outweighed by his love and commitment for his loved ones. Willie was a true family man. He was a very proud husband, father and grandfather. Anyone who knew Willie would tell you he was a man others could depend on.
Willie had an outgoing, upbeat, and cheerful personality. He didn’t know a stranger and never missed an opportunity to laugh or make a joke. He had the ability to put others at ease. Willie had a caring heart, and he took the time to listen and connect with others. There is no doubt that during Willie’s time on this earth he brightened a lot of days for a lot of folks. Willie made a point to visit the nursing home frequently. These visits started because his mother was a resident but then continued after her death because Willie knew he was making an impact, and he loved knowing he was a source of hope in the lives of others.
During Willie’s down time you could find him at home with his dear family. He started most days with coffee, a banana, and a Snickers bar. He was always quirky and never apologized for it. His family loved his free spirit and his courageous ability to be completely his authentic self! Willie liked being outdoors, going shooting, and riding his Harley. The simplicity of life was what made Willie the happiest, harassing his cat Fattie, playing with his three beautiful grandchildren, or sharing a meal with his wife and children. Willie was unique and impacted many more lives than he probably ever realized. He will be missed beyond measure!
Those left to carry on Willie’s legacy of love are his wife Tabitha Matthews, children Nicholas Tyler Matthews (Brennan Hamm), Megan Nicole Matthews (Blake Vandiver), and Jonathan Cory Buster, grandchildren Montana Frost Matthews, Lane Huxley Matthews, and Willow Blake Vandiver, siblings Theresa Johnson, Mary Cook, Dorothy Fakes, Deb Bond, John Matthews, Sam Matthews, and Kyle Matthews, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a nephew.
Out of respect for Willie’s wishes, there will be no formal services held.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Matthews family in their time of need.
Betty Ruth Wagner
Betty Ruth Wagner, 83, of Kokomo, IN, passed away on May 24, 2025. She was born on August 7, 1941, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of Lawrence and Violet (Randall) Turner. Betty enjoyed knitting, word searches, and taking walks.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Betty Jean Behler and Judith (Charles) Yard, six grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and sisters Teresa Freeman and Fairy Graham.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 25 years Kenneth Edward Wagner, and siblings Theo C. Turner, Lawrence F. Turner, Paul R. Turner, Larry W. Turner, Wesley A. Turner, Danny L. Turner, Clara Morris, Hazel J. Davis, Mary Anna Clark, and Marsha S. McCormick.
Services are pending.