Evelyn Mattes

Celebrating the Life of Evelyn Mattes
October 14, 1949 - February 26, 2026
Evelyn Mattes, a woman whose heart was as large as the kitchen table she gathered everyone around, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Born in 1949 to Bill and "Dottie" Curtis, Evelyn spent her 76 years perfecting the art of the "open door policy," ensuring that no one ever left her presence with an empty stomach or a heavy heart.

A Legacy of Flavor and Family
If love had a scent, in Evelyn's house, it smelled like beef stroganoff and chile verde. Known affectionately by a colorful collection of nicknames—Hoppy, Fifi, Granny, Grandma, Auntie, Sis, Honey, and Mom—she wore each title like a badge of honor.
Evelyn was the undisputed queen of the family feast. Whether it was her legendary potato salad, the crowd-favorite pepe salad, her perfectly piped deviled eggs, or the infamous Jello shots that signaled the party had truly started, she understood that food was the ultimate love language. She didn't just cook; she created an environment where family bonds were forged over shared plates and second helpings.

Her Loving Circle
Evelyn's greatest joy was her family. While she is joining her son Jeffery, she is survived by:
- Her devoted husband, Dave Mattes.
- Her remaining son William, who will carry her spirit of kindness forward.
- Her siblings, Jan, Jewell, Kerry, and Bryan.
- A growing legacy of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom knew "Granny" as a source of endless warmth and a lot of mischief.

She was, quite simply, an absolutely wonderful Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Wife. Her absence leaves a void that can only be filled by the stories told around the dinner table and the recipes she left behind.
"To know her was to be fed by her—body and soul."

A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Wednesday March 4, 2026. The family requests that in lieu of flowers you hug your loved ones, invite them around your table and celebrate Evelyn's life and legacy.