Davene Matthews Kahler

Davene Matthews Kahler, a longtime Fairland resident passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Freeman Health System in Joplin, Missouri with her loving family around her. Davene was born on February 21, 1945 in North Miami, Oklahoma to William Dave Matthews and Martha Alice (Creason) Matthews. She grew up in Fairland, Oklahoma attending Aurora School through the eighth grade and graduated in 1963 from Fairland High School. She married William (Bill) Kahler on December 21, 1963. Upon moving to Joplin, she attended Franklin Technical School for Clerk Stenographer. After completion of that program, Davene worked for the United States Census Bureau in Pittsburg, Kansas from 1964 to 1970. In 1970, they moved to Bolivar, Missouri, where along with Bill, they were Dorm Supervisors of Beasley Hall Men’s Dorm at Southwest Baptist College, and she worked as a secretary for The First Baptist Church. She also attended college. Moving to New Haven, Missouri she worked for a Doctor in Washington, Missouri. In 1975, they moved to Fairland and Davene worked for Grove General Hospital for twenty-seven years, Encompass Home Health for seven years, Grove Community Health Clinic for three years and The Landing of Fairland for one year. Davene taught Children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. She became the “mother hen” to all the children at every church they Pastored. Davene is preceded in passing by her parents, William Dave and Martha Alice Matthews, her sisters Betty White and Paula Seay, her brothers TJ, Robert, Larry and Randy Matthews. Davene is survived by her husband, Bill Kahler of the home, a son, Timothy S. Kahler of Fairland, a daughter Tamra Jolynn Stoelzing and her husband Terry of Fairland, four grandchildren: Tyler S. Kahler and his wife Keisha of Sarcoxie, Missouri, and Slade, Majesty and Terry Stoelzing of Fairland, Tabitha Nash and her husband Joey of Grove and two great grandchildren Easton and Ensley Kahler of Sarcoxie, sisters Meta Oakley and Barbara Dale, a brother-in-law David Seay and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Hudson Creek Baptist Church in Fairland. Services are under the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Davene's Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Davene Matthews Kahler

February 21, 1945 - October 30, 2022