EDWARDSVILLE - Matthew Kenneth Felts, 23, of Edwardsville, formerly of Springfield, died at 10:12 PM on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis following a lifelong struggle with a heart-related condition. He was also a recipient of a heart transplant in 2006.

Matt was born January 30, 1989, in Springfield, the son of Jerry and Rhonda Felts. He was engaged to be married to Christine Miller.

Matt was a 2007 graduate of Rochester High School and was scheduled to graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology. He was a cook at Buffalo Wild Wings and enjoyed soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and vacations to the Current River and Hawaii. Matt was a happy, fun-loving, sarcastic man with a great sense of humor. He was very proud of his relationships with his family, friends, and fiancé, Chrissy.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Earl Felts, and one uncle, Jack Felts.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Rhonda Felts of Springfield; one sister, Heather (husband, Jeffry) Henschel of Springfield; fiancé, Christine Miller of Springfield; paternal grand-mother, Hazel Felts; maternal grandfather, Donald Charles; maternal grandmother, Ellen (husband, Richard) Lawson; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with his lifelong friend, Zachary Ziaja officiating. Inurnment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, 640 N. LaSalle, Suite 280, Chicago, IL 60610 or Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Attn: Gwendolyn Blakemore, 425 Spring Lake Dr., Itasca, IL 60143.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Dec. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew FELTS

42 Entries

David Dahlkamp

December 21, 2012

Rhonda, I just heard about Matt's passing. I am sorry to hear this. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
David Dahlkamp

Sandy Walk-Walden

December 17, 2012

Jerry & Rhonda, I was so sorry to hear about Matthew!! It's always so sad when the life of someone so young and full of potential is cut short. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers, and if you need anything, please call me!
With deepest sympathy,

alicia marta & family

December 13, 2012

Jerry,Rhonda,Heather & Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Matt's passing. He was a wonderful kid and always so kind hearted and had a big smile. My family & I have lived in the same neighborhood as you and your family for many years.

Matt fought a courageous battle for many years. He always spoke highly of his family & friends. I remember attending Rochester with both Matt & Heather even thought i graduated before they did.

Cheerish all the good times and all the memories you have of Matt. My family and i wanted extend our deepest condolences on your loss of Matt.

May Matt Rest in Peace & Never Be Forgotten.

December 13, 2012

Jerry, Rhonda and Family

We were so very saddened to learn of the passing of your beautiful son. We remember the last time we saw Matt, -- at the Hawg Pit in Brighton, -- flashing his warm, disarming smile. It is our sincere prayer that the Lord will assuage your grief, lift you up and give you peace at this most bitter time.

Jan J. and Jim Russell

Misti Younkin

December 12, 2012

Jerry and Family...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

December 12, 2012

Jerry, Rhonda, and Family,

We are so very saddened by the loss of your beautiful son. We can still remember the last time we saw Matt, -- in Grafton at the Hawg Pit,--flashing that warm, disarming smile of his. Our thoughts are with you at this most bitter time. We pray the Lord will assuage your grief, lift you up, and give you peace.

Jan J. and Jim Russell

Theresa Cook

December 11, 2012

Rhonda and family sorry to hear about Matt, you and your family are in my prayers. Matt was a real trooper in life!

Patti Tweryon

December 11, 2012

Not only did he come to school with his artificial heart in tow, we could joke with him about maing sure his power cord ws long enough to go from place to place!!! That was always Matt, smiling, joking and caring for everyone else. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

Nancy Hood

December 11, 2012

Words cannot express the sadness we feel over the loss of your son...Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Karen Olive

December 10, 2012

Rhonda, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Kadi Kelzer

December 10, 2012

Jerry and Rhonda, I'm sorry for your loss, I went to Rochester with Matt. He was an amazing person and very strong. He will be missed dearly.

Kevin Alexander

December 10, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 10, 2012

Dear Rhonda and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories and love that you share bring you comfort through this difficult time.
Many Blessings,
The staff and faculty of Benedictine University at Springfield.

Deb & Bill Russell

December 10, 2012

Rhonda and Jerry,
Dear friends you have always been. There are no words to express our sorrow at the loss of Matt. Hold dear the memories and rejoyce in Matts life.

Joe Gardner

December 10, 2012

Matt gave me hope when I had almost given up. I was following his story while waiting for my own heart. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless

Tammy Anderson

December 10, 2012

Rhonda and Jerry, I am so sorry for your loss, I am Jackie Blissetts sister, I remembered Matt from my being at Jackie and Dickies house, may God comfort your family during this emotional period.

Troy Steinmacher

December 10, 2012

Jerry, Rhonda and Family,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss.

December 10, 2012

Jerry, Rhonda and family,

Please know that I'm so sorry to learn
of your loss. My thoughts and prayers
are with you and yours. May God's love
and that of your friends and family
comfort you in this time of sorrow.

Rick Easley

Tami Spain

December 10, 2012

Rhonda, So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Alice Tyus -Winter's

December 10, 2012

So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family.

Bill & Becky Delich

December 9, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Dave Kane

December 9, 2012

Dear Jerry and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your son's passing. I know there were a lot of battles for him during his time on Earth, but I'm sure he -- and you -- squeezed a lot of life and wonderful memories into the years he was here with you.

Ron & Karen Kane

December 9, 2012

We were shocked and saddened by the news of Matt's passing. Hold close all of your wonderful memories as they will help to sustain you at this time of loss. Know that he is at peace! Love & Hugs!

Ann & Eric Bierman

December 9, 2012

Our sincere sympathy to you & your family Rhonda. You are in our prayers.
Ann Stone & Eric Bierman

Ann Yattoni

December 9, 2012

Jerry, Rhonda & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Extra prayers for you and your family as you deal with this terrible loss. Ann & Sam Yattoni

Cathy Mrasak

December 9, 2012

So sad to hear of Matt's passing. Rhonda always kept us up on his progress for all the years we worked together at SJH. My prayers are with you all

December 9, 2012

Dear Rhonda, Jerry, Heather and Jeff, My heart aches for all of you. I was just shocked and heart broken when they told me about Matt. We all loved him as one of our own. We were so excited and happy to have him join our family. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jean Peterman

Grandma

December 9, 2012

Dear Chrissy, I have an ear to listen, a a hand to hold, a heart to share, a grandma that cares. I am always here for you. I loved you and Matt so much together. Love you sweetie. MiMi

Karl and Cheryl Lercher

December 9, 2012

Alicia, Donnie, Johnny and family,
We did not know Matthew but are saddened at your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for peace and acceptance for your family.

Christine Lehmann

December 9, 2012

Rhonda and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your son. You will be in my prayers.

Rita and Joe Leonard

December 9, 2012

Rhonda, Jerry, Alicia, Donnie and family,
Joe and I send our deepest and sincerest sympathy.

Terry & JoAnne Beard

December 9, 2012

Jerry,Rhonda & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Matt.
He is now an Angel watching over all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Terry & JoAnne Beard

December 9, 2012

Jerry, Rhonda & Family,
We are sorry to hear of Matt's passing. He is now an angel watching over all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

December 9, 2012

Rhonda and Jerry...so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Kessinger) Beaird

Joellen Londrigan

December 9, 2012

Rhonda and Jerry,
My heart breaks for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Matt was a wonderful inspiration to everyone. I loved hearing his funny stories and kept informed of his achievements by Kevin. The memories you have will keep him alive in your hearts forever.

Michele Sitzberger

December 9, 2012

Felts Family;

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. He lead such a brave and courageous life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I'm sorry I can not be there for you all.

Michele Sitzberger

Nancy (Henrikson) Good

December 9, 2012

I know you do not know me, but Matthew story is so close to my home as I have a 8 year old grandson sleeping in my spare bedroom that had a heart transplant 3 1/2 years ago. My heart and prayers are with you and your family through this traffic loss. I am from Illinois and have family in Rochester. God is good in the years he has allowed us to have with these great guys. Praying for the whole family.

December 9, 2012

Jerry,Rhonda,Heather and Christine,
So sorry for the tremendous loss of matthew. He was a very couragous young man.I am sure he will be missed greatly by all who knew him.No doubt he is in Heaven.Our prayers are with you.
Greg & Kathy Boston
Ft. Myers, Florida

Gary Shepherd

December 9, 2012

I'll keep Matt in my heart forever. Everyone who knew him is a better person just because they had the privilege of having known him. Jerry, Rhonda and Heather I love you guys with all my heart. Peace to you all.

Chelsea

December 9, 2012

I had the honor of working with Matt on our most important project yet, our senior capstone project at SIUE. We presented last Thursday, and I'll never forget how enthusiastic he was. Matt and I were to sit next to each other at graduation next Saturday. I can hardly believe that he won't be there. It doesn't seem like a reality.

What Matt has taught many people my age is that we are not entitled to any time here on Earth. Every day is truly a gift. I had the pleasure of being with Matt on the day he passed, only hours before. Wearing his normal smile, he reassured our group that we had not only passed, but excelled. He was the most positive person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I will definitely be thinking of him Saturday.

Kathy Garst

December 8, 2012

I had the honor of being Matt's school nurse. He was one courageous human being! He came to high school one day with his "artificial heart" (LVAD). At a time when we all should have been reassuring him, he was reassuring us. That was Matthew. He taught us the meaning of the words STRONG and HOPE.

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