Oleta Matthews Riffe

Mrs. Oleta Matthews Riffe, 101, died December 10, 2015 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. She was born June 29, 1914 in Pittsburg, Georgia to Robert L. and Martha Jane Standifer Matthews of Stallings, West Virginia. Oleta received her early education in Logan County, West Virginia schools, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Huntington West Virginia and passed her Board of Nursing exam with honors. She later earned her BA degree in Nursing from George Peabody College in Nashville, TN., followed by her Masters degree from Columbia University in New York, NY. Her Professional career spanned 35 years of public health nursing in West Virginia, serving in Logan County Health Department and the West Virginia State Health Department, where she served as Director of the Bureau of Nursing. She retired from this position in 1979. Following her retirement, she moved to Winston-Salem to live near her family. Oleta was formerly active in professional and community agencies in West Virginia and in Winston-Salem, NC. They included West Virginia Nurses Association; St. Mary's School of Nursing Alumni Association; West Virginia Public Health Association President; Altrusa Club of Charleston, West Virginia and Winston-Salem President; American Red Cross, Kanawha-Clay Chapter in Charleston, West Virginia; Nursing in disaster and Instructor of two Red Cross Courses; Literacy Volunteers of America, Kanawha County; Instructor Trainer; Laubach Literacy Action, Teachers Certificate; American Association of University Women, Charleston, West Virginia; Special recognition was granted in some areas of service. She was inducted into the Public Health hall of Fame for Outstanding public health nursing services in West Virginia. Her name is included on a plaque located in the Science and Culture Building at the Capitol in Charleston. She was elected to the fellowship in the American Public Health Association; and the Royal Society of Health in London, England. She was selected to assist with a Study of Nursing in the Mountain State of West Virginia. She is listed in Outstanding West Virginians Publication and Who's Who of American Women. A highlight in Professional accomplishments was being elected as President Elect of the State and Territorial Directors of Nursing is located in Washington, DC. This organization includes Directors of Nursing from the 50 states and territories of Guam, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. She was an active member of Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church where she served as President of the United Methodist Women and Chair of Missions. She was a devoted member of the Crosswinds Bible Study Group which was organized in 1985 to serve a diverse group in the community. Mrs. Riffe was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Dorthy Browning, four brothers, Orville, Bill, Jack and Dillion Matthews and one nephew, Richard Matthews. She is survived by a loving daughter, Dotty Golice and husband Fred of Winston-Salem, NC; a special nephew, Jack R. Matthews and wife Linda of Deltone, FL.; a sister-in-law, Ernie Matthews of Indianapolis, IN; two nieces, Candy Matthews of Alexandria, VA. and Nancy Mason and husband Boyd of Birmingham, AL.; another Nephew, Miles Matthews and wife Denise of Puerto Garda, FL. A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 PM, Tuesday December 15, 2015 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pecks Mill, West Virginia . A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday December 21 , at Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Manser, Billy Hunter and Bill Teague assisting. Memorials may be made to Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church, 430 Weisner Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27127. Online Condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com. ( Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel)

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