Ann Elizabeth (Betty) Matlock (nee Christman) formerly of Champion, Alberta passed away June 5, 2018 at Vulcan Extendicare at the age of 99 years.
Betty was born July 13, 1918 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Harry and Eva Christman and was raised near Monarch on the family farm. She went to school in Monarch and later in Fort Macleod where she completed high school. She and her younger sister Flora attended Normal School in Calgary, and Betty began teaching in 1939 at Blusson School northeast of Champion. She boarded with the McNaughtons on the Coal Mine Road, and it was while living there that she met the Matlock family and her future husband, Wilbur. Betty’s dream was to become a flight attendant but to do that she needed to become a registered nurse. In 1941 she went to Vancouver to begin her nursing studies. She graduated from St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing. Betty was not destined to become a flight attendant or a nurse. Instead, she moved back to Champion to marry Wilbur Matlock in 1944. Together they ran the family farm. In 1981 they retired and moved to Champion, and in 2005 Wilbur and Betty moved to Peter Dawson Lodge in Vulcan. Wilbur passed away in 2006 and Betty continued to live at Peter Dawson until some health challenges in 2017 required her to move to Vulcan Extendicare.
When Betty married Wilbur, she wholeheartedly embraced her role of farm wife and eventually mother. While Wilbur looked after the farming, Betty made the meals, looked after the chickens, maintained an extensive garden, and raised their three kids–Kathy, Maureen and Byron. She also did a little substitute teaching in Champion, gave allergy shots to some of her neighbours, and acted as “Bandage Betty” for Girl Guide summer camps. She was also active in many community organizations: the Amity Club, St. Mary’s Altar Society, and Girl Guides. Betty and Wilbur loved to travel and saw most of North America with the kids while they were still living at home. Later, they expanded their horizons with trips to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South America. Starting in 1981 and continuing for over twenty years, Betty and Wilbur spent their winters in Cathedral City, California. Betty documented the family’s activities in lovingly-created photo albums that will be a source of joy to the family for a long time to come. Being physically active was also important to her. She enjoyed skiing, skating, curling, cycling, swimming, water skiing, and golf over the years. Her kids remember her being able to turn cartwheels well into her forties. Betty was the kind of person where if she could do it herself, she would; and if someone close to her needed a hand she was there to help. Betty shared Wilbur’s love of antique and classic cars and continued to be a member of the Southern Alberta Antique & Classic Automobile Club even after Wilbur’s passing.
Betty will be deeply missed by her family, community, and the friends she continued to make even in her last year of life. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Kathy (John) Reasbeck of Okotoks; Maureen Lynch of Calgary; and Byron (Jo) Matlock of Champion and Victoria. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Jenny (Mike) Eggermont, Mark (Chelsey) Lynch, all of Calgary, Eric (Alena) Matlock of Carmangay and Aaron (Pamela) Matlock of Champion. Betty’s five great-grandchildren (Marrit and Fenner Eggermont, and Andie, Blayne and Pierce Matlock), plus her three nephews and two nieces will also mourn her loss. Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband Wilbur, her parents, Harry and Eva Christman, her sister Flora Baker, nephew Cliff Baker, and her brother Wilson Christman.
Mass will be held Saturday, June 9 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Champion with Fr. Tim Boyle. Please join the family after Mass at the Champion Community Hall for refreshments provided by St. Mary’s Altar Society. Inurnment at a later date at Champion Cemetery.
Honorary urn bearers: Jennifer Eggermont, Eric Matlock, Aaron Matlock and Mark Lynch.
In Lieu of flowers, any tributes in Betty’s memory can be made to the Champion Cemetery Maintenance Association, Box 99, Champion, Alberta T0L 0R0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
I was sorry to read of Betty’s passing. She was really a remarkable lady in so many ways, and she will be very much missed by all who knew her. I regret that because I am out of the country I missed her service, but my thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Marvin Maronda of Lomond
I will always remember your Mom for Her friendly, sincere personality. My Mother, Laura, and Betty always shared a close friendship when up at the cottages.
She will always be with us in memory.