Annie Ruth Ulm Matthews

Annie Ruth Ulm Matthews, age 88, of Priceville, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 19, 2026. Annie Ruth was born in Tampa, Florida, on January 18,1938, to the late Arren H. Ulm and Annie Naomi Jones Ulm. In 1952, when she was 14, her family relocated from Tampa to Decatur, Alabama, where she would plant deep roots. Shortly after arriving in Decatur in June, she met the love of her life, Ernest Lynden Matthews, on the steps of Grace Baptist Church. Three months after she graduated from Decatur High School, the two were wed on August 23, 1955, beginning a beautiful journey of over 67 years of marriage. A devoted homemaker, Annie Ruth poured her heart into her family, selflessly caring for her husband and rearing their four children. Beyond her home, her life was a testament to her faith, beautifully expressed through her lifelong passion for music. Annie Ruth lent her voice to her church's music programs for decades, singing alto in the choir and solos, duets, and trios when needed. Her musical ministry also included faithfully serving as the church pianist for Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur for over 20 years. She also shared her talents with the younger generation, accompanying numerous school programs and graduation ceremonies at Cornerstone Christian School. For many years she spent a great deal of time at her sewing machine, excelling as a seamstress; and in her later years she could be found reading, working on a word puzzle, seriously competing in Bingo, and intently watching the Game Show Network. She is survived by her children: Richard Matthews (Lori) of Decatur, AL; Lynette Matthews Sculley (Donald) of Corinth, MS; Philip Matthews (Melanie) of Decatur, AL; and Christine Matthews Polley (Kevin) of Greenville, SC. Her legacy lives on through her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom she deeply loved. Annie Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest Lynden Matthews; her parents, Arren H. and Annie Naomi Ulm; her two older brothers; and her sweet granddaughter, Allison Ruth Matthews Cardona. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at The Neighborhood at Priceville for their outstanding, compassionate care during her final years. Visitation will be at 11:30 AM followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Shelton Funeral Home in Decatur, Alabama, with interment immediately following at Roselawn Cemetery.

Annie Ruth Ulm Matthews

January 18, 1938 - June 19, 2026