Obituary

Patty Elaine Matter, age 73, passed away at home June 13, 2023, whit her loving husband Al. Born January 25^th, 1950, in Bellingham, Wa., to Wesley and May Martens. Patty graduated in 1968 in the first senior graduating class of the new Sehome High School. Growing up, Patty immersed herself working in the “Marten Signs” family business of commercial signage production, working there until the business eventually closed. Afterwards, she continued working for other various signage businesses.

Patty’s next adventure was driving a semi-truck across the USA, for approximately one year. Patty joined the Fred Meyer retail team in 1990, working as a cashier/clerk for 15 years, and retired in 2005. The Fred Meyer slogan was “You’ll find it at Fred Meyer”, and so it was there that Al and Patty found each other again in 1990. A little flicker of love and care for each other that began in the 8^th grade at Whatcom Junior High School, continues forever. Love gave 30 years of marriage, married in Kauai, Hawaii, on Nov. 2, 1993 (anniversary of our first date 11/2/90).

During Patty’s retirement, she rekindled her artistic abilities and pursued her desires for cake baking with fancy decorations, for many events of friends and family. Patty also discovered the enjoyment of handcrafting many personalized paper cards, befriending and forging many long lasting friendships with the “Card Class” members.

With a lifelong concern for most animals, Patty was very devoted and loved all of her pets. Everybody knew that Patty’s favorite drink was “Ice tea,” demanding a never ending supply of ice. Patty’s favorite holiday was Halloween – another expression of freedom and her decorating abilities. She enjoyed “Green Thumbing” all her plants, finding contentment inside the greenhouse. Also known for the wearing of her large collection of ear-rings – many shapes, colors, and styles. Patty loved traveling with her travel trailer. She loved all beaches, especially LaPush, Wa… collecting fancy rocks to adorn her flower pots. Campfire times brought peacefulness.

Patty is survived by husband Al and step-daughter Heidi. Preceded by brother Terry Martens. Survived by brother Wayne Martens and wife Joanna. Also survived by family members / nieces and nephews – Ramona Martens, Molly and Damen Miller, Bryan Martens, Matt / Blake / Stacey Martens