Dolores Jean (Strong) Matson

Dolores “Dolly” J. Matson, 90, of Ashtabula went to be with her heavenly father early Wednesday (July 25) at UH Brown Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.  A nurturer to the end, she was born July 9, 1928, the oldest child of Nathan and Edith Strong and lived in Ashtabula her whole life.

Dolores was a true homemaker.  Nothing pleased her more than to have a clean home filled with family, eating her delicious homemade food.  She loved to bake, sew, read, and care for everyone who was fortunate to be her friend.  She was a secretary at the CEI after high school, and later she served at secretary of the First Baptist Church, Ashtabula for 21 years.

She married Robert Matson on July 24, 1948 and together they raised four children.  Dolores was very active in First Covenant Church, serving in most every capacity from pianist to deaconess to prayer chain leader.  She will be remembered for her prolific letter writing and cards.  Until her last day, she was thinking about those to whom she wanted to send a card.  The family had been together to share her 90th birthday just weeks before her passing and have wonderful memories of that.

Surviving Dolores are her four children, Jack P.(Tish Miller) Matson of Arlington, MA, Bryan J. Matson of Ashtabula, Jeffrey R. (Cathy) Matson of Charlotte, NC, Cheryl J. (Craig) Wickstrom of North Kingsville; ten grandchildren: Haley, Kai, Dana, Brett, Chad, Kate, Aaron, Nathan, Benjamin, and Elin; and eight great grandchildren: Jacob, Isabella, Lukas, Nissa, Colby, Brady, Dashiell, Stellan; sister Karen Durkovic, Ashtabula, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by her husband of 69 years, Robert, her parents, twin brother William in infancy, and sister Janette Angus.

Calling hours will be August 10 from 10-11 am at First Covenant Church, 3300 Carpenter Road, Ashtabula. Graveside service at Edgewood Cemetery will follow at 11:30 with Rev. Bruce Wyand officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Covenant Church Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 2977, Ashtabula, OH, 44005-2977.

The Ashtabula Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 526 W. Prospect is honored to serve the Dolores Matson family. Condolences, light a candle and obituary at www.fleming-billman.com

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