In loving memory of Melissa Marie Matus, 60, of Hutto, Texas formerly of Bellmead, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020 in the early morning at Hospice Austin Christopher House in Austin, Texas after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Following Melissa's wishes a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Bellmead Funeral Chapel, 809 LaClede St, Bellmead, Texas 76705 with Deacon Denver Crawley officiating. A lunch will follow the service at Geneva Hall, 740 N. Connally Dr., Elm Mott, TX 76640.
Melissa was born February 3, 1959 in Waco, Texas the daughter of the late Albin and Adele (Kolar) Matus Sr. of Bellmead.
She attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, La Vega Junior High and in 1977 she graduated from Reicher High School. In 1982 Melissa graduated from McLennan Community College as a nurse and worked at Providence and Hillcrest Hospitals and several nursing homes. She loved caring for her patients for over 20 years. She had a homemade remedy to cure almost anything.
She married the love of her life, Charles (Charlie) Reither on March 7, 1997 in Austin, Texas. They loved going fishing and walking their dog, Buzz. She was interested in taking pictures of nature. She enjoyed shopping at Angies Grocery Store and treasure hunting at thrift stores and garage sales. Melissa sold Avon products and had a collection of perfume and cologne bottles. She always had fun singing Karaoke, Tanya Tucker and Chrystal Gayle were her favorites. She was an avid reader and liked going to Librarys to walk through the art exhibits. Chocolate and coconut were her favorite candies. Lemon was Melissa's favorite pie. Yellow was her happy color. Melissa cherished her grandchildren, Jessie and Emily and was very proud of them.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Laddie Nors; and a brother, Albin Matus Jr.
Survivors include her beloved husband Charlie of Hutto; her son, Scott Lewis of Georgetown; her 2 grandchildren, Jesse Lewis and Emily Lewis; her siblings; Milton Matus and his wife, Mary Jean of Austin, Marsha Gerik and her husband, Ronnie of Aquilla, Benny Matus and his wife Kim of Austin, Monica Williamson and her husband, Ken of Arlington, sister-in-law Marcia Matus of Sunnyvale, Uncle Johnny Matus of Irving, Aunt Jo Ann Cepak of West, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78759.