Catherine Ellen Remmel Matthews

May 18, 1941 - Feb 22nd, 2020

Birth Date: May 18, 1941
Death Date: Feb 22, 2020
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location:
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Biography:

Catherine Ellen Remmel Matthews died Saturday, February 22, 2020 surrounded by her family. Cathie was born May 18, 1941 to Pratt Cates Remmel and Catherine Couch Remmel in Little Rock, AR. Cathie was a lifelong resident of Little Rock. She attended Randolph Macon Women’s College in Virginia and went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi, chosen as a Razorback Beauty, and selected as a member of Mortar Board.

Cathie was a devoted and wonderful mother to her two daughters, Meredith and Leslie. Culture and community were important to her. She was an active member of the Junior League of Little Rock and served as the co-chair of the Parent Center, now Centers for Youth and Families. She enjoyed the Arkansas Repertory Theater and the Arkansas Arts Center. Cathie was also a longtime member of the Little Rock chapter of Garden Clubs of America.

In 1982, Cathie began a successful career in real estate with Coldwell Banker/McKinney and Co. and later with The Janet Jones Company. She was a Lifetime member of the Million Dollar Club of the Little Rock Board of Realtors. In 1995, Cathie was recruited as Director of Sales and Marketing for a start up telecommunications company, ACG Telesystems, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Cathie spent her two years in Africa experiencing many adventures. She made friends from all over the world and traveled widely throughout Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

Upon her return to Arkansas, Cathie was appointed Director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. With her appointment to lead DAH, she became the State Preservation Officer for Arkansas. She traveled not only the state, but also the country promoting Arkansas’ natural and cultural heritage. Cathie was elected to the Board of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. She was honored to be inducted into the Arkansas Game and Fish Outdoor Hall of Fame. Cathie recognized the importance of historically significant locales in the state that needed to be conserved, protected and enjoyed for outdoor enthusiasts. She was the longest serving Director of DAH having held the position for 15 years under two governors.

Cathie’s tenure at DAH was one of her proudest achievements. She believed strongly in learning from the past to live well in the future.

Cathie was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughters, Meredith and Dr Stephen Tucker of Little Rock, and Leslie and Michael Thiele of Sebastopol, CA. Two grandchildren, Lukas Pratt Thiele and Lyla Catherine Thiele of Sebastopol. She is also survived by her brother, Pratt Remmel, Jr, Dr. Lucy Sauer, and niece, Hannah Z Remmel, and her sister Rebecca Remmel, all of Little Rock. Additionally, she is survived by her aunt, Jean Remmel Little of Southhampton, NY, many Couch and Remmel cousins and her forever friend, Susan Overton Sutton.

Cathie will be remembered for her kindness, her beauty, and her generosity of spirit.

The memorial service to celebrate Cathie's life has been postponed until later this year. A service time and date will be announced when decided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Foundation, our local National Public Radio affiliate KUAR, Arkansas Arts Center, Alzheimer’s Arkansas or the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road for their kind and loving care.

Condolences(26)

Gregg Cook

#26

Jun 21st, 2024 4:58 pm

Cathy was an Arkansas, and American cultural resource in and of herself. I enjoyed working with her at DAH. None better.

Susan Matthews

#25

Jun 13th, 2020 11:46 am

I extend my sympathy to Cathie's family. I remember her as a beautiful and gracious woman with a lovely spirit of hospitality. My best regards.

Hugh Thacker

#24

Apr 22nd, 2020 4:15 pm

By some wild coincidence I happened to learn of Cathie's passing on the internet. I worked with Cathie in Tanzania and we also lived only two minutes walk from eachother. Cathie was so very kind to us, especially to our teenage son who was having some "growing up" difficulties.

Cathie led the marketing team deploying a payphone network throughout the city of Dar es Salaam. This involved almost daily travel through the various suburbs of the City - some relatively prosperous but many "shanty towns ". She was universally liked and elicited great respect from her very loyal team of young Tanzanians and the small businesses who were our sales agents.

My condolences to Meredith and Leslie. You had such a lovely Mum

Dan Shelton

#23

Mar 16th, 2020 2:28 pm

Dear Meredith and family,

I was saddened to hear of your mother's passing. She was one of the brightest, most positive people I have ever met. Peace to all of you during this difficult time.

Frank McKinney

#22

Mar 16th, 2020 1:02 pm

Cathie was a saint and will be deeply missed. My condolences to the family.

Matt Zimmerman

#21

Mar 16th, 2020 12:03 am

A life well lived and many accomplishments. Prayers for her family and friends. May she rest in peace and love.

Errin Stanger

#20

Mar 15th, 2020 7:13 am

My prayers and thoughts are with your family. We grew up across the street on North Jackson and our families have remained in touch. My mom, Nancy Lindsey, and our entire family send our prayers to you. Catherine was lovely inside and out, never met a stranger and lived out the golden rule each day. We are so sorry for your loss.

Larry Bassett

#19

Mar 13th, 2020 10:34 pm

Blessed to have experienced Cathy's vivaciousness and thoughtfulness from teen years when she visited BSA Camp Quapaw on visitor's day and in her childhood home owing to a mutual friend's introduction, I treasure a final visit, meal, and picture together at Kemuri's in December 2014, thanks to another mutual friend. As a blessing to many in Little Rock, the State of Arkansas, and around the world, her legacy and memory remain. My prayers and condolences to her family and friends.

Marilyn Brodie Archer

#18

Mar 9th, 2020 11:59 am

Pratt, Saddened to learn of your sister’s death. My prayers are with you during these difficult days. HH ‘64 classmate.

Sami Grace

#17

Mar 4th, 2020 11:12 am

I was Cathie's hairdresser for decades. She was my mentor. I attended her mother's funeral and when my father passed away she assured me i could deliver the eulogy. She attended my father's funeral to make sure i made it thru. I have never known anyone less judgmental than Cathie Matthews.Her kind and generous spirit will be missed by all that had the privilege to know her. God be with all her friends and family.

BOBBY BOLDING REYNOLDS

#16

Mar 3rd, 2020 5:11 pm

PRATT, I KNOW HOW VERY DEAR YOUR BIG SISTER WAS IN YOUR LIFE -
A SHINING BEACON - AND MY HEART IS BROKEN FOR YOU. I AM SO TERRIBLY
SORRY FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS LOSS.
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND IN MY HEART,
BOBBY

Rob Goss

#15

Mar 3rd, 2020 12:44 pm

I always remember your mom with great fondness. She was such a bright presence. Peace to you and yours

Jim Rule

#14

Mar 2nd, 2020 7:09 pm

Cathie's generous spirit will be deeply missed.

Liz Walsh Jones

#13

Mar 2nd, 2020 4:03 pm

I remember the very first time I meet Meredith and Leslie's mom. Meredith and a group of her friends were sitting around one evening and Cathy walked in with a huge radiant smile. She was delighted to meet everyone and had such a welcoming, bubbly personality. She was always so warm and friendly to me. She was always a delight to be around and would always make time for a visit. She will be great missed!

Marie Remmel Sims

#12

Mar 1st, 2020 6:43 pm

I had the most wonderful visit with her at her house and we talked all about the family history and viewed lots of pictures and she was so happy. I will miss her.
With love and sorrow
Marie Remmel Sims

Brenda Ball Tirrell

#11

Mar 1st, 2020 4:14 pm

Cathie and I were in a history class together at the U of A. She would not remember me, but I remember her. She was much fun and joy that summer. I would offer these few words to her family, “Love, like the ocean is vast and forever, like sands that cover the shore. May the forever of love soon bear this hour of grief from your heart.” anonymous
I remember Cathie with much fondness.
Sincerely,
Brenda Ball Tirrell

Laura Cartwright Hardy

#10

Mar 1st, 2020 3:13 pm

Pratt, Meredith and Stephen, and all your family I haven't met, I'm so sorry about Cathie. Though I didn't know her well, I knew her well enough to know she was brilliant and gentle and beautiful. I'm so glad she had you all to take such good and loving care of her.

Pratt, John and I love you.

Laura

Gail Green

Mar 1st, 2020 12:24 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with Cathie's family. Cathie was one of the nicest people I've ever met and I loved her dearly. Always had a smile for everybody. Meredith I know how much you loved your mother and how much you will cherish the memories of her always; what a wonderful mother she was to you two girls!!

Bob Lanford

Mar 1st, 2020 10:26 am

Cathie and I were soul mates. I was also born on May 18,1941 and our mothers were in rooms next to each other at St. Vincent’s Infirmary. All throughout our lives we would joke about who was the oldest . Cathie was one of the most loving and generous people I ever knew and she will be missed.greatly. You were the oldest by ten minutes.

Katherine Pearcy Raines

Feb 29th, 2020 10:23 pm

My earliest memories of Cathie date back to pre-elementary years at First Methodist Church, and extend for much of our lives even though in our adulthood we usually gathered only on my return visits to Little Rock. Cathie was kind and fun-loving, and kept close her friends and friendships with her joyous smile and interest in others. Her dearest friend Susan was a part of those memories. I send sincerest condolences to all in Cathie’s family and to her many friends who will share the sadness of her death and remember the joy of her life.
Katherine Pearcy Raines

Sarah Jane Polk

Feb 29th, 2020 8:32 am

Meredith and Leslie, your mother was a blessing to many and to me personally; I will miss her. My condolences to both of you.

GailGreen

Feb 28th, 2020 6:14 pm

Oh. This hurts my heart so much. Meredith I truly loved and and admired your Mother. Such a wonderful wonderful person!!! I know you and Leslie are heartbroken but can’t help but think but what a bright BRIGHT star she is in heaven. So sorry for both of you!!!

Mary Healey

Feb 27th, 2020 1:32 pm

My deepest sympathy to all the members of Cathy's family and friends. We have lost a loving, giving, and generous lady in our community. She will be greatly missed.

Nan Ellen Dickinson East

Feb 26th, 2020 5:13 pm

I loved Cathie and am blessed and thankful she was always in my life. My husband, Jack and I send our deepest sympathy to Cathie's family and to all who loved Cathie. We are deeply sad and moved and pray you will have peace remembering a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Ann Treadway Henry

Feb 26th, 2020 1:47 pm

My prayers and thoughts are with Cathy's family! Cathy's Grandmother, Nelle Remmel, was one of my favorite people! I well remember Cathy from First Methodist Church and Hall High. A great lady!
Ann Treadway Henry
missath@aol.com

Armistead Reasoner

Feb 26th, 2020 11:51 am

I can't say enough wonderful thoughts about Mrs. Matthews, but I will say thank you for being a wonderful, positive presence, energy and person. My condolences to all who loved Mrs. Matthews.

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