Lois Matson

Lois Marlene Niemela was born May 8, 1966, in Detroit, Michigan, to Leo and Doris (Anderson) Niemela.

On Aug. 13, 1983, Lois married Albert Matson at the young age of 17, and they eventually settled down in Yacolt. They recently celebrated 40 years of marriage shortly before her husband passed away from a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Lois was an endlessly driven and compassionate person. She ran bookwork for her husband’s foundation company, edited for the Christian monthly, and was deeply involved in musical programs in her church. Lois’ love of people was only surpassed by her love for Jesus, and she volunteered countless hours to organizations, programs, and those in need.

Lois was first and foremost a Christian. She was a lifelong member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. Throughout her life, she spread God’s Word in every place she could, including the many hospital beds and cancer wards during her final days. She believed wholeheartedly in sharing her faith and spreading the Gospel in all circumstances.

Beyond her Christianity, or as she would say, “due to her Christianity,” Lois embodied love. She was a devoted wife, mother, and endlessly proud and loving Grammy. Her love of music was closely rivaled by her love of the written word as well as puzzles and games. Lois was an intelligent and fierce competitor, and even through the hardships of cancer, she never backed down from a challenge. She faced any trial with love and strength, and she treated every person with love and respect.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Al; her father, Leo; her mother, Doris; her daughter, Kellie; and twin grandsons.

She is survived by her eight children, Kevin (with Stephanie), of Hockinson, Washington, Karissa (with Levi Traffie), of Greer, South Carolina, Kieren (with Katrina), of Ridgefield, Washington, Kody (with Banner), of Greer, Kassidy (with Zach Helmes), of La Center, Washington, Kenzie (with Andrew Gedenberg), of Battle Ground, Washington, Kierce, of Greer, and Kasch, of Yacolt. Lois adored her grandchildren, Evelynn, Amelia, Dane, and Taav, Cadence, Austin, and Raya, Kinzley, Jax and Mia, Tavia, Lydia, and Frederik, and Lincoln. She is also survived by three siblings, Carol (Robert) Salmi of Chassell, Jerome (Rebecca) Niemela of Chassell, and Mark (Eva) Niemela of Keweenaw Bay; and numerous nieces and nephews.