Marilyn Matson

The world lost a sweet soul on March 8, 2025.

Marilyn Jean Kizer arrived on May 19, 1935 in Julesburg, Colorado to Omer and Marie (Lapp) Kizer. She was doted on as the baby of the family and the only girl of three older brothers. She graduated from Julesburg H.S. and married Edwin Gette in 1952. Marilyn welcomed sons Lawrence in 1953 and Gary in 1955 as she and Eddie traveled throughout the Midwest following Eddie's seismograph work. Eddie would follow his work in the oilfields to Libya in 1958, leaving Marilyn to raise her 2 small sons in Pleasanton, Texas. Making the most of her situation, Marilyn attended business school and began a career in administrative assistance. After ending her marriage, she moved her small family to Denver, Colorado in 1961 where she continued her career in secretarial work.

She married again in 1963 to Gaylord "Jake" Matson and they made several moves including Northglenn & Yuma, Colorado and Trenton & Julesburg, Colorado. Marilyn expanded her professional career through working at a bank until 1973 when the couple moved to the Denver area and she got a position on the Lowry Air Force Base working for the finance center. She continued with a career here until her retirement. In 1999 Marilyn and Jake moved to Haxtun, Colorado, leaving the hustle and bustle of city life on the front range.

Marilyn could always be found with perfectly coiffed bouffant, coordinating costume jewelry, and smart lipstick. She enjoyed a series of lap poodles, including Ginger, who traveled with her and were her constant companions. Marilyn had a substantial collection of dolls, perhaps started by the crocheted doily dolls made by her mother, Marie.

After 22 years of peaceful life in Haxtun, Marilyn and Jake made a final move to the Garden County Nursing Home in Oshkosh, NE. Unfortunately, before they could settle in, Jake passed away from complications due to COVID. Marilyn continued to be cared for by the wonderful staff for four more years before passing away only 2 months away from her 90th birthday. Marilyn was proceeded in death by her brother, Duke, and her husband, Gaylord "Jake" Matson. She is celebrated by her remaining family, including sons Larry Gette (Rebecca Gette) and Gary Gette (Angel Gette), 2 grandsons, 5 granddaughters, 5 great grandsons, 3 great granddaughters, 3 great-great grandsons, and 2 great-great granddaughters and 2 brothers, Don and Leland.

Marilyn's funeral arrangements are being handled by Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Homes.

A graveside service will take place at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Julesburg Hillside Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.