Emily Louise Matthees, 84, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Bentonville, Arkansas. Emily loved Christmas, Easter and Jesus.

Emily was born April 16, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to John Davis and Emma Louise (French) Ferguson.

During high school, Emily was the lead concert pianist for Washburn high school in Minneapolis. After high school, Emily was the Training Supervisor for North Central Airlines Stewardess Program, flying their famous DC-9 routes. She also completed certification lessons at Flying Cloud Airport in Minnesota and flew privately. She loved to fly. Emily then worked as an Executive Admin to Dayton Hudson Corporation in the Minneapolis IDS tower.

Emily's' faith began at Mt. Olivet Lutheran church in Minneapolis, having to ride a streetcar to attend.  Emily was constantly active in Arkansas Bella Vista Community Church. She sang in two choirs and practiced with her piano at home.

Emily and her husband Shelly moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas 25 years ago, fulfilling their dream to retire, escape winter and explore new hobbies. They thoroughly enjoyed all NWA had to offer and participated in choir, church, fly fishing, trap shooting, and retired NW Bell friends. They enjoyed tours including Arkansas's Holy Land and Passion Play, as well as country wide and international travels. Emily loved the outdoors and enjoyed waterskiing, swimming, fishing and hunting with her family. Her life-long love of animals spanned the farm, the house and the woodland creatures. Their house was frequently home to friends, those in need, pets and visitors.

During her life with husband Shelly, they were involved in many recovery programs including Decision Point Center in Bentonville, Arkansas. Emily was a friend of Bill W. and celebrated 47 years of sobriety on January 21. She helped many, many people on their road to recovery. The coffee pot was always on.

Emily is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Sheldon Matthees.

Emily is survived by all her children and 12 grandchildren in Minnesota.

A Memorial Service for friends & community will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Bella Vista Community Church, 75 East Lancashire Boulevard, Bella Vista, Arkansas, 72714.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Bella Vista Community Church, Bella Vista Animal Shelter, Helping Hands NWA, (www.helpinghandsNWA.org).

On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com .