Neola Mae Matson, 92, passed away February 7, 2020, at Clover Care Home in Shawnee, Kansas. Neola was born August 6, 1927 to Douglas and Audlene Springer, Galesburg, Kansas, the youngest of three children.  Neola graduated from Kansas State University where she met her husband of 66 years, Laurence Dean Matson. After graduation they were married on June 6, 1948 in Galesburg, Kansas.

After a short career teaching General Science in Grove, Texas,  Neola's life was filled with rearing four children in Smith Center, Kansas.  In 1955 she began a home preschool, setting a high standard early for all her children's learning.  As her children grew older she continued a family legacy started by her grandmother Etta Mae Springer and mother Audlene of being active in 4-H.  Through her own 4-H work Neola learned to be an amazing cook, always trying new recipes, and soon was teaching her daughters to not only cook, but to sew, as she led their 4-H projects. For her sons, she was there organizing and leading Cub Scout activities and supporting them as both earned Eagle Scout awards.

But beyond the family that she loved so dearly Neola was very in involved with the Smith Center United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School, serving as the Sunday School Superintendent and being a very active member of the Sarah Circle of the United Methodist Women (UMW). In 1975, seeing a need to support the Smith Center community, she was one of the UMW who started a small thrift store in Smith Center. The Hardly Used Shop, now located on Main Street provides low cost clothing and household items to all who shop.  Monies received support various projects in Smith Center, as well as mission work state and nationwide.

Another need Neola recognized in Smith Center was that of having an adequate blood supply for the community hospital.  Neola served ten years as the Smith County Chairman of the American Red Cross Blood Drives, organizing volunteers, creating schedules and baking cookies.

In 1965 Neola competed and won the title of Mrs. Kansas.  She then represented the state at the Mrs. America pageant in San Diego, California.  There she competed in ten "homemaking" contests, including shopping and preparing a meal, arranging flowers, driving a car, baking a cake, packing a suitcase and managing money.  Neola won with the first place trophy for her skills in money management. For the talent competition, Neola shared her experiences of being a licensed pilot, flying often with her four young children to see her parents in Galesburg, and participating in events sponsored by the Ninety Nines (99's) an international organization for licensed women pilots.

Larry and Neola put their faith in action beyond Smith Center with their involvement in the United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (VIM) projects. With others from the Kansas West UM Conference they traveled throughout Kansas, South Dakota, Arizona, Texas and Tennessee.  While Larry used his carpenter and electrical skills helping restore churches, parsonages, schools and more, Neola worked with the women painting, sewing, cooking and cleaning.

For over 50 years Neola enjoyed being involved with the many social events of Entre Nous, PEO, playing golf and bridge with friends, and in retirement selling real estate, enjoying square dancing and RV camping with Larry.  Neola put her excellent seamstress skills to use making matching outfits for Larry and her to wear at the many square dancing events and competitions they attended in Kansas and neighboring states.

While Neola was an exceptional homemaker and loving wife and mother to her family, she was a gracious hostess to all.  Her personality never faltered from showing gratitude and appreciation to all she encountered. She was a strong woman, especially following a stroke 16years ago that required months of rehabilitation to regain her independence. Throughout the challenges she faced in her life, Neola never lost her pleasant personality and positive attitude. A life lesson she shared and demonstrated for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was to always have a smile, a compliment and a thank you for others.

Neola is survived by two daughters Eliese (Paul) Holt, Shawnee and Laurie (Homer) Matson-Ritter, Merriam; and two sons, Dean Lynes (Dixie) Matson, Andover; and Kent Douglas (Brenda) Matson,  Norton. Other survivors include seven grandchildren and 16 great Grandchildren - Britta Audlene Holt Bustamante (Matt with Pax, Amelia, and Felix Bustamante); Andrew Thomas Ritter (Sarah with Kathryn, Grace and Claire Ritter); Lindsey Danielle Matson Hunter (David with Elijah, Silas, Juliana and Irene Hunter); Kari Mechelle Matson Garison, (Zeke with Halie, Addison and Carlie Garison); Wesley Dietrich Matson (Alison with Cooper and Vivian Matson); Ashley Dawn Matson Hughes (Gabe Hughes); and Lynn Douglas Matson (with Damien Matson.); German exchange student Norbert Strassner (Hille with Felix and Katarina); Little Brother Jeremiah Moralez.

Neola is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Larry (Feb. 23, 2015), her brothers Jean Douglas Springer, and Eldon Elton Springer.

The family would like to thank all at Ascend Hospice for the care and compassion given to Neola.  And a special thank you to Clover Care Home in Shawnee for the exceptional, loving care provided to both Larry and Neola.  What a blessing this was.

Memorial Service

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Wesley Chapel, Church of the Resurrection (COR), Leawood Kansas.  After moving to Shawnee, Larry and Neola did not miss a Sunday watching COR's streamed church services from their residence at Clover Care Home and attending whenever possible COR's Silver Link Services.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at Smith Center United Methodist Church for both Neola and Larry on Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be given to support the mission projects of the Galesburg Christian Church (Orange Swan Program) or the Hardly Used Shop of the United Methodist Women in Smith Center, KS. Funeral arrangements and memorial gifts are being coordinated by Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 66203.