Gene Matli

In Loving Memory of Robert (Bob) Jon Matli and Lillian Gene (Boyd) Matli

Lillian Gene (Boyd) Matli was born to Farrol and Regina Boyd on December 18, 1938. Gene passed away at home on December 6, 2025, at the age of 86.

Robert Jon Matli was born to Joseph and Marie Matli on September 4, 1933, at their family home north of Watonga. Bob passed away at home on January 10, 2025, at 91.

Bob and Gene met at the Thomas skating rink. Dad said it was love at first sight. While they were dating, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He served for two years. Bob was released early from the Navy in 1957. He came home in December. Bob and Gene were married on January 29, 1958. They were married for 66 years.

Bob and Gene were the first couple to be married in the new fellowship hall at the First United Methodist Church in Watonga. Dad, along with Joe Matli, his dad, and Bob's Uncle Jude Matli, were an important part of building the new church.

Gene is well known for her cooking, baking, quilting, sewing, volunteer work, and many, many other talents. Bob worked for many people in the Watonga community, building and shingling houses, doing general carpentry, cutting ricks and ricks of wood, and, of course, farming and fishing. Bob and Carl operated Matli Brothers for many years.

Bob and Gene are survived by their three children, Dianna Matli of Oklahoma City, Ricky Matli of Iron City, Tennessee, and Rusty and wife Angie Matli of Watonga; grandchildren, Victoria Matli of Yukon, and Cole Matli of Edmond; and great-grandchildren, Sunni and Daisy Matli, Gunnar Simmons, and Beau Schiska, Martha White, sister, Brenda Boyd, sister-in-law, and Larry Kerr, brother-in-law. They were devoted to their nieces and nephews, enjoying the family gatherings and holidays. Bob and Gene had special relationships with Gary Matli, their nephew, and friends Mike and Mary May, and Steve Poulson.

Gene and Bob are preceded in death by their parents, siblings - Freda Hausner, Corene Kerr, and Farrol Boyd, as well as Joseph (Jody) Matli, Ruby Matli Moore, and Carl Matli-also, Drew Matli, their grandson, and Randy Matli, nephew.

A memorial service honoring Bob and Gene will be Saturday, December 13th, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 420 N Weigle, Watonga, OK. Services entrusted to Pierce Funeral Home, Canton, OK. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Memorial Fund at the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 116, Watonga, OK. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.piercefuneralhomes.com.