Florence Mattinson Redford

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and devoted friend to all, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023 at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her adoring family and darling sweetheart, Mel.

Flossie was born on November 5, 1935 on her kitchen table to Arthur Guy Mattinson and Adean Senn Mattinson in Payson Utah.

Flossie, along with 9 brothers and sisters, learned early on in life what it was like to experience the world around them in very humble and often difficult circumstances. Yet, Flossie had a way of finding light in and through her circumstances. She shared endlessly and effortlessly heart-felt compassion for all. She loved hearing people's stories and shining light on the many ways God’s hand guided them through, just as He guided hers.

Flossie had an innate gift of appreciating the beautiful things in life. Sunsets, flowers, butterflies, jewelry, Chanel, and even the perfectly ripe avocados from her avocado tree. She especially found beauty in cultivating her talent of painting with watercolors. Flossie surrounded herself with beauty.

She was a life long learner. Her desires and passion for learning far exceeded any diploma or certificate. Her education included classes at Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton Community College where she received high honors in the arts. She left home at age 14 to pursue her dream of living in a home with all four walls. She nannied a family in Idaho in trade for room and board. At age 19 she met and became engaged to her darling, Melvin O. Redford. She adored him. Before they married, and while Mel served in the Army, Flossie lived in the historic Beehive House with other young women her age. She loved walking down the long staircase holding sweetly on to the beautiful wood railing with beehives carved at the end of the rail. There she learned what it was like to be in a home founded on prayer, gospel learning, and principles. All which provided a foundation to what she knew she wanted in her own future home and family.

On August 6, 1956 Flossie married Melvin O. Redford in the Salt Lake City temple for all eternity. They later welcomed three wonderful children, Deborah, Stuart, and Jeff. Mel and Flossie established the home and family she had always dreamed of creating in Southern California.

Flossie was a gatherer. Whether it was a book club, writing club, art club, family history group, or a big party, she took every opportunity to bring people together and share in the things she loved. Flossie’s loving arms were always open. She had a way of making others feel comfortable and appreciated. Because of all that she had been through as a young girl, she was keenly aware of the needs of others. It was a true Christ-like gift that she regularly and humbly gave gratitude for.

Flossie often said, “as long as I am always searching for the light…” She understood that blessings came to her in the form of people. Even until her last few days on earth, she was thanking those around her for loving and caring for her.

Flossie lived just as she loved, to the absolute fullest. Her testimony of Jesus Christ was her anchor and guide. Just with every stroke of watercolor painted into masterpieces in the art studio of her home, so was her life. One stroke at time, a perfectly imperfect masterpiece we honor and soak in the beauty of today.

Flossie is survived by her husband Melvin, her children Deborah (Len), Stuart (Tracy), Jeff (Toi). 26 Grandchildren, 30 Great Grandchildren and her five siblings Marie, Matt (Linda), Herald (Tina), Kathern (Steve), and Leilani. Flossie is preceded in death by many loved ones who are embracing her with equally loving arms.

We are grateful to the many nurses and medical staff at Canyon hospice and Cedarwood at Sandy that provided such loving and tender care to Flossie.

We love and miss you! We know that you are now our guiding protective angel watching over us.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 28th,11:00 am at 587 S. Saratoga Rd. Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045. A viewing will be prior to the services from 9:30-10:30 am at the church. Interment will be held shortly after at Wasatch Lawn South Valley 13001 S 3600 W, Riverton, UT 84065.