Ida Phern Matthes, 81, of Bay City passed away July 21, 2008. She was born in Thrall, TX to Edgar Milton Rhea & Ida Mae Walker Rhea on April 1, 1927. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was greatly loved by her family. She was a devout Christian who expressed her beliefs by service to others. Phern taught for over 30 years in Bay City, Round Rock and Van Vleck school districts. She dedicated her life to the education of her students. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a life member of both the VFW Post 2438 Ladies Auxiliary and Texas Retired Teacher's Association.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Edward Matthes, Jr., who was her constant companion and best friend for more than 56 years. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law Fay & Syd Gilzow of Bay City and Velma & Jerry Greer of Montgomery, TX; son Charles Matthes of San Marcos; nine grandchildren Timothy, Bethany & Sarah Matthes, Jessica, Gabrien, Gydeon, & Georgia Gilzow and Marc & Lori Greer; and four great-grandchildren Isabella, Audrey, Olivia & Zoey Gilzow.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm to 8pm Friday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 3:00 PM Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Greg McMullin officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Gabrien Gilzow, Gydeon Gilzow, Timothy Matthes, Marc Greer, Carl King, Pat Matthes & Rhea Davis. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, VFW Post 2438 Ladies Auxiliary, or The Legacy. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.