Eleanor Leigh Matal

Eleanor Leigh (Jeffus) Matal, dedicated wife, mother of three and a friend of so many, passed away peacefully at age 90 on October 31, 2022 at home in Woodland, CA. She was born on October 4, 1932 to Velma Evangeline (Megown) and Allen Levelle Jeffus in Brawley, CA.Ellie grew up mostly in Oberlin, KS with her lively family: her brother, Allen (Lum), and sisters, Phyllis, Barbara, and JuDee. She graduated from Oberlin High School in 1950 and attended Fort Hays State University in Kansas. She became an elementary school teacher and reading teacher, first in Kansas and later in Woodland.At Fort Hays, Ellie met the love of her life, Eldon "Cotty" Matal, when she first arrived on campus. They married on December 26, 1954 in Oberlin and spent the next 67 years spreading love throughout their extended family and friends. Through the years, Ellie loved oil painting of landscapes, and making stained glass creations. She was a talented seamstress and quilter and made many quilts for her family members over the years. She entered her quilts in the Yolo County Fair. She thoroughly enjoyed the women in the Woodland PEO charity group of which she was a member. Her family and friends all enjoyed her lively, intelligent conversation, the sound of her frequent laughter, and the twinkle in her eyes. She approached every dimension of her life with a passion, zest and zeal that left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew her. Her quiet determination, reasoned advice, and ceaseless optimism inspired everyone who knew her. All those who were fortunate to know Ellie were moved by her compassion, kindness, inspiration and thoughtfulness. She was a good listener and always remembered to ask, "How was your day?" or "What's new with you?" She was a strong, bright spirit who opened her arms to an ever-widening circle of friends and family. Her spirit continues to shine.She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Velma Jeffus; her sister, Phyllis Hershman; and her beloved cat, Hope. She is survived by her husband, Cotty; and her three children, Jana Matal (Jeff Sears), Ward Matal (Stacey Hatten), and Kristi Matal (Jeff McPhee); Ward's adult children, two granddaughters, Megan Matal and Lauren Matal; her "adopted daughter," Mimi Hampton; her "adopted son," Dennis Cortopassi; her brother, Allen Jeffus and Neta (Pollom) Jeffus; her sisters, Barbara Young and JuDee Benton, and many nieces and nephews.The family wishes to extend their special thanks to the wonderful caregivers, Dignity Health Palliative Care and Hospice workers who provided such outstanding support to Ellie.Ellie's Celebration of Life will be held at the Woodland Christian Church, 509 College Street, Woodland, CA on Saturday, November 12 at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following the service.In lieu of flowers, donations to these organizations would be appreciated: P.E.O. Sisterhood https://donations.peointernational.org and Dignity Health Mercy Hospice Care at Mercy Hospice, 3400 Data Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670; or American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org/diabetes/donation?form=Donate
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