Linda Mathes

Linda M. Mathes, beloved wife, mother and Ferndale community member passed away on August 15, 2021.

Born in Bavaria, Germany in 1929, Linda grew up in the beautiful city of Coburg. She was blessed with wonderful parents, Ida and Edmund Stelzner, her brother Helmut and her sister Heide.

Linda came of age during the terrible years of World War II. As she reached adulthood, the war finally ended. Linda became a beautician and had happy memories of working at a Coburg salon.

When she was 18, she met Chris Mathes. It was love at first sight and they became engaged. Chris immigrated to the United States in 1950, sponsored by his uncle in Ferndale. Linda followed in 1952. After two long years of separation, they were finally married. They shared a very special love that endured their entire 54-year marriage.

Linda had 3 children, Heidi, Ralph and Christina. She was a devoted mother and skilled homemaker. She loved to cook, bake and garden. She and her family spent happy summer weekends at their cabin near Dinsmore. When her children were older, she joined her husband at their family business, Mathes Jewelers, and delighted in working with their customers.

Linda and Chris loved to travel. They visited their families in Germany many times and enjoyed trips through Europe and North America. In later years, they frequently visited their children in Chico and Napa, which was great fun.

After Chris died in 2007, Linda’s extraordinary neighbors and friends in Ferndale surrounded her with love and support. They brought her joy and comfort.

Linda will be remembered with great love. She was a special, warm-hearted, generous lady. 

Linda is survived by her children, Ralph Mathes of Chico and Christina Mathes of Napa; her grandsons, Parker Mathes and Jackson Baldwin and her cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ferndale Museum, the Ferndale Senior Resource Agency, or Hospice of Humboldt.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Mathes, please visit our floral store.