Johanna 'Jo' B. Matter was born on April 23, 1944 in Coupeville, WA. She and Ronald Henry Matter were married on April 30, 1965 in Oak Harbor, WA. Jo lived her adult life in Seattle, WA before being called home to her Lord and Savior on October 8, 2018. Jo passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism with family by her side. Jo was born to Cornelius Peter Boon and Bertha Dorothy Faber Boon of Oak Harbor, WA. Jo was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Henry Matter of Sumas, WA on April 11, 1981 and her parents. Jo is survived by her brother Aldon (Corinne) Boon of Oak Harbor, WA, her children Lisa Matter Van't Land (Clint) of Pittsburgh, PA, Sandi Matter Shelton (Jeff) of Mount Vernon, WA and Jeff "Butch" (Suzy) of Mill Creek, WA. Her grandchildren Lexi Hiles, Derek Hiles, Brent Van't Land (fiancé' Krista Betts), Brandon Hiles, Jenna Van't Land, Colton Matter, Jeff Van't Land and Case Matter. Jo was a well-loved sister-in-law to Ron's six brothers and their spouses, numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.
Jo grew up in the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church where she and Ron attended and were involved in the Couples Club. After moving to Seattle, they became very involved at First Seattle Christian Reformed Church and enjoyed being part of the church bowling league and Mr. and Mrs. Club. Years later, Jo was a Founding member of Mill Creek Community Church where she served as a Deacon and Shepherding Elder. Jo was also involved through Food Pantry, Crafters for Christ, Kitchen Service, Greeters, Vacation Bible School, Coffee Break, Mexico Mission Trips and enjoyed many Movie Nights. Jo also coordinated yearly blood drives at her church in honor of her grandson, Colton Matter of Colton's Army. She also had a true passion for her children's school, Shoreline Christian (Watson Groen), where she drove bus, was active in the Mother's Club, enjoyed score keeping for the volleyball games and supported many of the school's events and hosting visiting students from other cities and countries for basketball and choir.
Jo's first jobs were picking bulbs and strawberries for local farmers. After graduating from high school, she worked as an Associate in the Fabric Department at Pioneer Department Store in Oak Harbor, WA. She thoroughly enjoyed this work and shared many stories of her days spent there. Jo was a homemaker while raising her three children. After the death of her husband, she continued to stay at home while supplementing her income as a school bus driver. Once her children graduated, she worked part-time for the Shoreline School District Administration offices. She was also blessed with the opportunity to care for her grandchildren during their infant and toddler years. In her most recent days, she found joy volunteering weekly at the Food Pantry and Bloodworks Northwest.
Jo's fondest memories growing up in Oak Harbor, WA were on her family dairy farm, spending time with her cousins and many friends, playing the accordion, sewing, needlework and baking. Jo also ran for Dairy Princess of Island County, was involved in 4H, her high school drill team and many activities through Young People's Society. She had a welcoming smile for all who met her.
She loved her family and spent many hours attending her children and grandchildren's athletic events and school activities, which included 4 drives to Texas to support her Van't Land grandchildren. Anyone who came to Jo's home was welcomed with coffee, tea, cookies and bread. Jo was always welcoming to anyone she met and had an open door of hospitality. Over the years, she took pride in housing friends and relatives. She also loved driving whether it was someone needing a ride to the airport, driving cross country or acting as tour guide for friends and family who were visiting from out of town. Jo was well known for her infamous Peanut Brittle! She also loved tradition with one of her favorites being an annual camping trip that she and her friends have been taking for more than 34 years to Birch Bay State Park over the week of Labor Day. You could often find Jo surrounded by friends celebrating monthly birthdays and finding ways to make a difference in the lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Colton's Army Guild or Mill Creek Community Church and designate 'Food Pantry' in the memo line. Donations can be sent to the Matter Family (Attn: Colton's Army) PO Box 12403 Mill Creek, WA 98082
We will be celebrating Jo's life on Saturday, October 13th, 2018:
10:30a Graveside Service at Fircrest Cemetery (80 Street NW Oak Harbor, WA 98277)
3:00p Memorial Service at Mill Creek Community Church (16415 North Road Mill Creek, WA 98012)
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