Obituary: Jean Matthews

Jean Margaret Matthews, the former co-owner of Hamilton, Montana’s Chapter One Book Store and the wife of former ABA President Russ Lawrence, died on December 16, 2015. She was 58 years old.

Matthews had a BA in Psychology and a BS in Nursing when, in 1986, she and Lawrence bought Chapter One Book Store. For 23 years, the couple worked side by side to build the bookstore into a community resource. A strong advocate for adult literacy, Matthews helped to create and served as president of the nonprofit organization Literacy Bitterroot, which is dedicated to helping adults acquire the educational skills they need to succeed in life.

In 2009, she and Lawrence sold their interest in Chapter One and joined the U.S. Peace Corps, serving in Chivay, high in the Peruvian sierra. On their return to the U.S., the couple launched Encounter Peru and guided two trips back to their adopted country.

Since 2012, Matthews continued her work helping others as a public health nurse for the Ravalli County Public Health Department.

Matthews was also a musician who played with various local groups and was the founder of the “Tuesday at 12” series of free summer concerts in Hamilton, which has endured for 26 seasons. She also was a lifelong thespian, who sang, acted, directed, worked backstage, or played in the pit band, most often with the Hamilton Players.

“All of us at ABA were deeply saddened to hear about Jean’s passing,” said Oren Teicher, CEO of the American Booksellers Association. “She and Russ created a wonderful community bookstore in Hamilton, Montana, and were active and long-time participants in many, many ABA activities and programs. Jean’s enthusiasm was infectious and we will all miss her.”

Matthews is survived by her husband, Russ Lawrence, and her siblings JoAnn Carpenter, Ada, Oklahoma; Karen Martin (Doug), Los Angeles; and Dan Matthews (Laurel), White Heath, Illinois; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorials donations to any local charity, or to Tuesday at Twelve, c/o First Security Bank, P.O. Box 393, Hamilton, MT 59840, are suggested. A celebration of Matthews’ life is being planned for the spring.