Doris Matzen

Heaven just got a little more fun.
Doris Evelyn Matzen—lovingly known as Boots—was called home to be with her Lord and
Savior on October 6, 2025, just seven weeks shy of her 100th birthday. She was 99 years young.
Born on November 29, 1925, on the Rasmussen family farm near Navajo, Montana, Boots
entered the world with a spark—delivered by a midwife to her loving mother Sylvia
(Rasmussen) Hanson and later adopted by her father, Clarence Hanson. She was the eldest of
four children and outlived two of her beloved siblings.
Boots grew up on the move, attending school wherever her father’s construction work took
them—from Montana to Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. It was in Idaho where she landed her
first job at an Air Force base and fell in love with Coca-Cola, a treat she enjoyed for decades to
come.
On October 12, 1945, just 12 days after meeting him, she married Gerhard “Flip” Matzen, in
Walla Walla, WA. Together, they built a family of four children—Bunny, Vickie, Gary, and
Darrell—two of whom she has since reunited with in heaven.
In 1950, the Matzen family settled in Moses Lake, WA, with a brief move before returning
home for good. Boots quickly became a familiar face in the community, working at the café in
the bus depot and later as an activity director in local nursing homes. She had a heart for
bringing joy to others, especially the elderly.
Boots’ faith journey was as colorful and spirited as she was. She explored various
denominations—studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses, joining the LDS Church, and spending
time in the Nazarene and Assembly of God congregations. For the past 25 to 30 years, she
found her spiritual home at Moses Lake Christian Church, where she rarely missed a Sunday.
Front and center every week with her close-knit circle of senior friends—the “Three
Musketeers”—Boots was a faithful member, always dressed in her signature hats, matching
jewelry, and radiant smile. She was active in the Seniors Ministry, Bible studies, and any church
potluck or BBQ where she could bring a dish—and a story—to share.
Boots had an endless love for her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and
even a great-great-grandchild brought her deep joy. She traveled to visit her sisters and nieces in
Oregon, returning with stories to share. She was a talented writer, a lover of cats, and a collector
of all things Native American. Her home was a treasure trove of memories, crafts, and the kind
of warmth you couldn’t buy—only feel.
Despite lifes many heartbreaks—including the passing of two sons and outliving many
friends—Boots remained a shining example of resilience and grace. She often said, “You’re not
supposed to outlive your children,” and yet she pressed on with a faith that carried her through
the hardest days. Even as macular degeneration stole her sight, she continued to live
independently until just over a year ago. She never stopped loving, and never stopped trusting
in the Lord.

She was known for her quick wit, her frisky sense of humor, and her deep kindness. Friends
described her as eccentric in the best way—always accessorized, always ready with a poem, and
always willing to give. Once, she even gave her car to a homeless family in need.
Boots is proceeded in death by those she loved, including her parents, sisters Cora and Mildred,
sons Gary and Darrell, and her dear daughter-in-law Kris.
She leaves behind a legacy of love in her daughters Bunny (Roger) Taylor of Moses Lake, WA
and Vickie Skeesick of McKenna, WA, her daughter-in-law Debbie Matzen Hoilman of
Starbuck, WA, and her youngest brother Sonny (Judy) Hanson of Bellevue, WA. She also leaves
behind eight grandchildren: Kim (Nisha) Taylor, Mark Taylor, Shawnette Skeesick, Tiffanie
(Mike) Meridith, Samantha (Jeremy) Brown, Travis (Heidi) Matzen, Joshua (Samantha) Matzen,
and Megan (Chad) Arner; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many
nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored her.
Services
 Viewing: 2-6 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Pioneer Memorial Gardens Chapel
 Graveside Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Pioneer Memorial Gardens
Address: 14403 Rd 2 NE, Moses Lake, WA
A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been her 100th birthday—November
29, 2025, at Moses Lake Christian Church. More details to come.
Though she lived nearly a century, Boots’ legacy of joy, generosity, and faith will echo for
generations. And now, with perfect sight, we imagine her eyes wide in wonder—finally seeing
all the beauty of heaven.

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