WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mary Anna Matz, age 94, of LaGrange, passed away Sunday morning, January 7, 2024 at her home.
She was born June 28, 1929 at the family home in South Bend, daughter of the late Albert and Bernice (Gable) Weiss.
Mary resided in LaGrange since 1994, coming from Sturgis.
On July 3, 1949 she married Phillip Henry Matz, Jr. in South Bend. He preceded her in death December 16, 2018.
For many years she owned and operated with her husband Timberly Tree Farm in Sturgis.
She was a longtime active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis where she was a member of the Altar Guild and Ladies Aid. For several years she served as the church pianist and organist, volunteered her time with Vacation Bible School and participated in Bible studies. Mary enjoyed baking, always the baker of her grandchildren’s birthday cakes, gardening, and loved bird watching. Mary could always be counted on to be in attendance at her grandchildren’s many activities and sporting events and always had her cowbell to root the teams on.
She is survived by her daughter: Janet Hutchinson of Sturgis; son: James (Mary Ann) Matz of Three Rivers; nine grandchildren: Nathan Hutchinson of Kingwood, TX, Jason Hutchinson of Three Rivers, Molly Poley of Sturgis, Aaron Hutchinson of Vicksburg, Derek Hutchinson of West Fargo, ND, Sarah Jones of Anchorage, AK, Kristie Donohue of Allen Park, MI, Joshua Matz of Sturgis, and Tony Matz of Sturgis; 21 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son: Conrad P. Mats, one great grandson and brother: Lester Weiss.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, January 12th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Mary Matz will be held at 3:00 Sunday, January 14th at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow will officiate. A continued time of fellowship and the sharing of a meal will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Private interment of the remains will take place at Posey Chapel Cemetery in LaPorte, IN at a later date.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Matz’s memory consider Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Worship Anew, 5 Martin Luther Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
