Iva Ruth Mathews

Iva Ruth Mathews, 78, of Gainesville, passed away August 23, 2025 in Gainesville.

Iva was born January 24, 1947 in Mansfield and was the baby of her large family. She spent her teenage years and graduated high school in Stratford, OK. Iva married James Cox and had two sons. In the early 1980s, she met David Mathews and the couple spent 41 happy years together. They lived in Roanoke and Keller, then retired to Gainesville. The Mathews were devoted members of a Church of Christ Congregation wherever they lived. Mrs. Mathews spent several years volunteering with North Texas Charities in Roanoke. In most recent years, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and their authentic chuck wagon to Old West and Western themed events, using her phenomenal sewing skills to make their costumes.

Survived by: husband David Neal Mathews; son James Cox (Cheryl) of Fort Worth; son John Cox (Rebecca) of Lantana; grandchildren Jade Shokler (Sidney), Josiah Cox, and Greyson Cox; great-grandson Luka Shokler; and brother-in-law Tommy Gordon.

Predeceased by: parents William and Irene (Chambers) Ford; sisters Katherine Gordon, Joyce Benson, Doris June Jones, and Temperence Perguson; brother Frank Ford; and niece Sheila Russell.

The family will received friends on Friday, August 29, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville. A graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, at Nelson Grove Cemetery, Woodbine.