Loretta Marie Mattus (nee Smythe)
April 16, 1938 ~ April 11, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dad’s wife, our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Loretta. Loretta Mattus of Medicine Hat and formally of Central Butte and Chaplin, passed away at home with Dad at her side. Loretta was born in Chaplin, SK., to Opal and Fred Smythe. She attended Antelope Creek School and later was bussed to Chaplin. In 1954, she attended Davidson Business College and spent time serving others at the Central Butte Hospital. Loretta met John Mattus at a country dance at Robin Hood School and were married November 14, 1956. They farmed and raised their family on Prairie West Wind Farm south of Central Butte. In 1958, mom welcomed and provided a home for John’s brother, George Mattus. Mom worked along side Dad on all aspects of farming. She maintained an active role in the community, volunteering and donating pies and cakes as needed. She always baked two of everything, one to donate and one for us at home. Hosting several Japanese exchange students through 4-H blossomed into lifelong relationships. Mom loved farm life especially the spring when baby calves, chicks and piglets were being born and crocuses dotted the pastures. She tended a huge bountiful garden. Preparing food for family and friends was one of her greatest pleasures and gifts. Mom created many beautiful, impeccably made handicrafts including sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery and ceramics. Mom and Dad retired to Medicine Hat in 2002, making many new friends and enjoying numerous social events in Redcliff and at the Veiner Centre. Many jam sessions were hosted in their home, where Mom would play her beloved accordion accompanied by anyone who dropped by with an instrument in their hands. For several years, Mom enjoyed camping and visiting family and friends with their motorhome. Mom leaves to mourn, John, her husband of 66 1/2 years; daughter, Debbie (Brian) Billay and family: Katelyn and Myles; son, Ron (Donna) Mattus and family: Amy (Brady) Heatcoat, Boeden, Bennett and Ashley, Sheldon Mattus, Trevor (Rhyann) Mattus, Kesslee and Dawson, Randi (Devon) Wenzel and Adalynn; daughter, Bonnie (Malcolm) Conly and family: Cuyler Conly (Lindsay Aspen), Orrin (Laura) Conly, Anastasia Conly (Nik Kinzel-Cadrin) and Lukas Conly (Brynn Walker); son, James Mattus; brother-in-law, George (Hope) Mattus and family; brother, Jack (Margaret) Smythe and family; sister, Darlene (Ben) Hoogstraten and family as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom she loved and cherished. Our mother was also the Canadian mom to her Japanese family: Chiho, Masana, Mayumi, Chihiro and Akiko. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Opal Smythe and numerous extended family members. Our family is grateful for the cards and messages of sympathy from family and friends. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to the Celebration of Life which will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W. Medicine Hat on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date. The service will be live-streamed. Anyone who is not able to attend but wishes to be a part of the service can visit www.cooksouthland.com and select the view broadcast button on the home page at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) In the spirit of Mom’s generosity, please make a donation to the Root Cellar food & Wellness Hub (Food Bank), 440 Maple Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 0L3 or volunteer at your local Food Bank. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone toll free 1-877-528-6455.
