Erma McCleery Matson's Obituary
Erma McCleery Matson, age 82, peacefully and with grace passed away on October 9, 2020 at Huntsman Cancer Institute. She was born in Salt Lake City on April 22, 1938. She was the oldest child of seven children born to Joyce Cook and Donald Nephi McCleery. She was a second mother to her siblings. After her father became ill at a young age, she and her mother worked hard to support the family - birthdays and holidays were so special that we never realized we went without.
Erma was always independent and had many interesting occupations, including as an elevator operator at the Hotel Utah. She would mesmerize her siblings with stories of famous people she had met there. She worked for many years in nursing at Friendship Manor, always going the extra mile for her patients. She loved her patients and they loved her. It was there she met her husband Jerry Matson and gained a son, David. They were married in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints Salt Lake Temple. Jerry was the love of her life and brought her breakfast in bed daily until his health declined and she then cared for him until his death.
She had many talents, she loved to crochet, did beautiful embroidery work, refurbished dolls and was in a quilting group that met for many years, donating quilts anywhere they were needed. She cherished the many deep friendships with those sisters. Erma also had the gift of love and compassion. She was very humble and treated everyone with respect and kindness. Though she didn’t have much in material goods, her heart was full and she was happy and grateful for her many blessings.
She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had a strong testimony and relied on prayer for guidance. She loved her ward family and worshipped in the same building for over 50 years.
She deeply loved her son, David. She was so proud of his accomplishments and they lovingly supported each other and created a happy home together.
Erma is survived by her son David Matson. Sisters Susan Wilding and Donna (Larry) Elcock, Brother Don (Marilyn) McCleery. Numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Matson, daughter Robin Lynn Fagg. Parents Donald and Joyce McCleery. Sisters Rebecca Mackay, Charlette Jansen, and Janet Beck, and brother-in-law, Craig Wilding. Services to honor Erma will be October 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 10th Ward. Located at 420 S 800 E Salt Lake City Utah.
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