Matra A. Musgrove

Matra Alma Rush was born May 15, 1925, to James Moses Rush and Lillie Hattie Belle (Cooper) Rush at their home at Red Hill, near Melbourne, AR. She was the youngest of three children born to the couple, joining two brothers, one half-sister on her mother's side, along with four half-sisters and two half-brothers on her father's side. Matra attended a one-room school in Red Hill. The family moved to Knob Creek when she was 14, where she attended another one-room school. Matra's father died when she was 18. In 1944, she and her mother moved to Salinas, CA for a short period of time, before moving back to Arkansas. In 1947, at the age of 22, she married Thomas Blankenship at Jumbo, AR. Her mother died that same year. Later in 1947, Matra and Thomas traveled to Wenatchee to work in the fruit industry. Early 1948 saw them move to Yakima to work in the hops. Their first child, Robert, was born August of that year. After hop harvest, they traveled back to Wenatchee and Thomas worked the fruit harvest. Following harvest, they traveled to Arkansas to stay for the winter. They stayed in Arkansas the year of 1949, to help her father-in-law farm. The spring of 1950, saw Matra and family return to Yakima to work in the hops and fruit. In 1950, the family moved to Wenatchee again, where they resided permanently. Matra gave birth to James "J.C." in 1952; Lillie in 1958; and Valerie in 1963. She continued to work in the fruit industry. Thomas died in 1978. Matra married Loyd Musgrove in 1980, and was widowed again when Loyd passed in 2004. She continued to live on her own until health problems dictated a move to an assisted living facility in 2010. Matra's number one interest was always her family. After that, she loved some sort of project, especially quilting. When she reached the point that limited her ability to sew, she would piece the quilts and relatives assisted with the quilting. At RiverWest Assisted Living, she continued enjoying craft projects. Her entire life, Matra maintained close ties to many friends and relatives. She died Sunday, January 27, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husbands, Thomas Blankenship and Loyd Musgrove; and two step-sons, Jim and Marlin, along with a step-daughter-in-law, Vivian (Howard) Musgrove. She is survived by her step-children, Howard Musgrove of Wenatchee, Mel Musgrove (Carla) of Malaga, Ray Musgrove (Judy) of Benton City and Veda (Dale) Danials of East Wenatchee, plus her children and their spouses, Robert (Trina) of East Wenatchee, J.C. (Mary Ellen) of Wenatchee, Lillie (Daniel) Foote of Pasco and Valerie (Brian) Wilson of Pasco; and many grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren, plus a couple great-great-grandchildren. The family wishes to convey their special thanks to Central Washington Hospital Hospice for their compassionate care of Matra. Also, heartfelt thanks to RiverWest and their staff, for the care, consideration and love they showed Matra on a daily basis. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 1, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. Services will conclude in the Chapel. A Private Interment will be held at the Wenatchee Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Matra A. Musgrove

May 15, 1925 - January 27, 2013