Kathy J. Matney

Kathy Jeanette Matney Cashmere, WA Kathy Jeanette Matney, 60, devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, went home to be with our Heavenly Father and her parents on April 7, 2012, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Cashmere, WA, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Mama was born on November 13, 1951, in Casper, WY to William Wilson and Marilyn Ayers. After moving to Washington in 1969, she fell in love and married the love of her life, Russell Matney, on May 7, 1971. Dad and Mom blended their two families, including Richard and Mark Shaw from mom, and Steven and Rusty Matney from dad, when they married. Together in 1971, they had their son, Russell "Billy". In 1974, they added a girl to their family, Kathy. Finally, in 1977, they were blessed with their last child, Karana. Mama made such an impact on everyone she touched. She loved her friends and was blessed to have numerous children within her life who considered her as their mom. Mama loved to spend time with the family camping up the Chiwawa at River's Bend. She enjoyed her trips to the casino with her girls, and floating the river with her kids and grandkids. Mama's strength and courage throughout her life will be with all of her family and friends for the rest of our lives. We were blessed to know and love her. She is survived by her husband, a month shy of 41 years, Russell Jay Matney; sons, Steven Matney (Linda), Rusty Matney (Deanna), Richard Shaw (Tracy), Mark Shaw (Bobbie), Russell W. Matney, and Jason O'Brien (Samantha); daughters, Kathy Carson (Annette) and Karana Gossman; mother, Marilyn Ayers, who passed away on April 8, 2012, 21 and a half hours after mama left this life; sisters, Connie Klotz, Billie O'Brien, Sandy Graf (Glen), and Kris Koster; brothers, Michael Wilson and Steve Ayers; and her aunt, Shirley Austin of Wyoming. Mama had 19 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, eight nephews, five nieces, four great-nephews, six great-nieces and two great-great-nieces. She is also survived by her buddy, Sharon Davis; and special kids, Debbi Barker and Kent Gossman. She was preceded in death by her loving dad and mom, Bill and Iona Wilson; and one uncle, Les Wilson. Mama was a true testament to strength and courage. Special thanks to Thomas Tucker and all of the chemo girls at the clinic. A special thank-you to Hospice and especially mama's nurse, Annette, for all of her dedication and honesty. A memorial announcement will follow later. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley. "You Didn't Beat Me, I Let You Win"

Kathy J. Matney

November 13, 1951 - April 7, 2012