Clarke County mourns the loss of young sisters

WOODBURN — Friday evening, a pair of sisters were found drowned in a deep pool formed at the convergence of White Breast Creek and South White Breast Creek south of Woodburn.

According to the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, the girls, aged 10 and 7, were reported missing around 6:15 p.m. Foul play is not expected.

The sudden accident has found the community surrounding the Mathes family in support as parents Zach and Marti navigate the world without their youngest daughters Hadley and Laytn.

A Gofundme was started by the girls’ grandma Lawra Mathes, saying “Their world has been turned upside down, and the pain they are feeling is beyond words. As they navigate this heartbreaking time, they are surrounded by family and friends who want to help in any way possible. The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward funeral expenses for their beloved daughters. This support will help ease the financial burden so Zachary and Marti can focus on grieving and honoring the memories of their girls. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference as they try to find strength and healing.”

The account sits at more than $25,000 as of Tuesday morning and it isn’t the only way people are showing their support.

Local restaurants are donating proceeds and tips to the family, churches are accepting contributions and more than a dozen people have scheduled to drop off a meal to the family through Meal Train.

The girls were students at Murray Elementary School, Hadley in fourth grade and Latyn in first.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 18 at the school. There will be a luncheon following at the Clarke County Fair Grounds. Attendees are requested to wear bright colors for the girls who loved pinks and purples. The visitation will be at Kale Funeral Home Sunday, May 17 from 4-7 p.m.

Both Clarke and Murray school districts provided support resources for any students who are struggling.

Tuesday morning, Murray students were notified of the deaths and were able to ask any questions. Green Hills AEA staff was on site to support students and staff as needed.

“We suggest you talk with your child about this loss if you think it is appropriate and respond to any questions that arise,” the district wrote in an email to parents. “It is important to remember that grief reactions vary greatly among individuals.”

In addition to documents on helping children cope with loss and grief and addressing grief in children, the following resources were made available.

Clarke County Hospital

Behavioral Health & Counseling

Osceola

641-342-2128

https://www.clarkehosp.org/services/behavioral-health

Infinity Health

Osceola

641-342-9000

weareinfinityhealth.org

Children & Families of Iowa

Offers telehealth therapy services

515-697-7916

https://cfiowa.org/services/mental-health-therapy/

Every Step

Free grief support groups

https://everystep.org/grief-loss

Your Life Iowa

24/7 Crisis Support

Call: 855-581-8111

Text: 855-895-8398

www.yourlifeiowa.org