Accident Claims Life of Olney Teen

Michelle R. (Shelly) VanMatre, age 19, of Olney, died as a result of an accident Saturday morning east of Noble on Route 250.

VanMatre was westbound when she lost control of the ’85 Dodge, on the curve, left the roadway, hitting a guy wire on a telephone pole, causing the car to travel approximately196 feet before coming to a stop.

VanMatre died several hours later at Richland Memorial Hospital.

The County Line Commoner (Noble, IL) – Wednesday, August 23, 1989

Michelle "Shelly" VanMatre, 19, of 12 Willow Drive in Olney died at Richland Memorial Hospital on Saturday, August 19, 1989, the result of an automobile accident.  Burial in Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney.

Miss VanMatre was born April 24, 1970 in Olney the daughter of Don and Donna Brainard VanMatre.

She was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon. She was a 1988 graduate of East Richland High School and attended Mermac Community College in St. Louis, Mo. and also John Casa'blanca Modeling School.

Survivors include one brother, Rick of St. Louis and parents, Don and Donna of Olney.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Inez Hunt of Olney, paternal grandmother, Alice VanMatre of Olney, step-grandparents, Ray and Hazel Brainard of Olney and step-grandfather, Joe Bemont of Olney.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)