Velma Matson

Matson, Velma 6/14/1910 - 1/7/2015 Sylvania, OH Formerly of Newaygo Velma Fowler Matson, 104 years, Sunset Village, Sylvania, OH., and formerly of Newaygo, MI, passed away on Jan. 7th. She was born in Indiana to Clarence and Belinda Fowler on June 14, 1910. On March 14, 1930, she Married Francis A. Matson, and they enjoyed 57 years together. Velma began teaching in a one-room school (K-8) at age 18 with a one-year teaching certificate and eventually completed Bachelors of Education and Masters in Education Administration degrees from Western Michigan University. Spending a total of 34 years in education, she retired in 1972 as principal of the Newaygo Middle School. Upon her retirement, it was renamed in her honor as the Velma Matson Upper Elementary School. In 1981, Velma and her husband established the Matson Scholarship Fund for Newaygo students in their first year of college. A voracious reader and lifelong learner, Velma enjoyed extensive traveling with her husband, visiting all of the United States many times, Europe and the Far East. Well into her 80s, she continued her travels to Australia, China, Kenya, New Zealand and Spain. She remained an active volunteer in school, church and community activities until her move to Sylvania at age 92. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and well respected educator, Velma was a firm but loving disciplinarian. She was known as a good listener with a strong sense of fairness among her family, students and their parents. Velma is survived by her sons, William (Jean), Saginaw; Dr. Max (Sylvia) Portage; Hugh (Jackie), Saginaw; and daughter, Joelyn Matson Stone (Millard) of Sylvania, OH.; 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; sister, Ruby Baumunk. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, 2 brothers, William and Byron Fowler, and their spouses, 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Arrangements are being made by the Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, OH., and the Fields-McKinley Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC. in Newaygo where visitation will be held on Thurs., Jan. 15 from 6 -8 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ on Fri, Jan. 16 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the Newaygo Cemetery next to her husband. Those wishing to give memorials may consider the Matson Fund at Newaygo United Congregational Church of Christ, 432 Quarterline, SE., Newaygo, MI 49337. or the Employee Appreciation Fund at Sunset Village, 9640 Sylvania-Metamora Rd., Sylvania, OH. Please share your memories of Velma online at fieldsmckinley.com