Gloria C. Mattison

Known as “Ginger”, Gloria Christine Waldie Mattison was born September 30, 1938, in Salem, OR, where she lived her entire life. She raised five children who kept her very busy, and she loved every minute of it!

Surrounded by loved ones, Ginger passed away at age 84 on January 17, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Mattison, her parents, Bill & Anne Waldie, and her sister, Ruby Buntjer. Ginger is survived by one sister, BillieAnn Klokstad, of Seattle, WA; her five children, Cindy Ford, Ron (Shari) Stoutenburg, Tracy Kane, Tammy Worth, all of Salem, and Mary (Kurt) Lee of Tucson, AZ; 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; and her beloved Maltese lap dog and constant companion, Misty.

Ginger worked as a waitress and bartender. She also worked at Fairview Hospital as food service supervisor for years. When the hospital closed she continued in the food service industry to manage, waitress, and tend bar locally. She loved people and was a favorite with all the patrons. She made many lifelong friendships during these years. She cared about people and always wanted to know them better. In her later years of doctor or hospital visits if she saw a nurse more than twice she could probably tell you where they lived, if they had a hobby, if they were married, and how many children they had!

Fishing was one of her very favorite things to do in her retirement years. She also enjoyed playing Bingo, cards, going to the casino, and she rarely missed an episode of Jeporady. At home she loved cooking for her family. Even during the last week of her life she made sure there was food prepared so as visitors stopped by she could offer them a meal. She was known by patrons, friends, and family to always be very gracious and hospitable.

She will be missed every day by her family and many friends.

Per Ginger’s request no Celebration of Life is scheduled at this time. Family and friends will gather for a graveside service during the summer.

If you knew Ginger you knew her love for animals. Anyone wishing to honor Ginger’s life can do so by making a donation to your local Humane Society or animal rescue organization.