Arlene Matson

Arlene Matson, 88, of Traverse City, entered the gates of heaven, December 25, 2023. After spending her lifetime faithfully walking with Jesus and sharing His joy with others until she went home to be with Him on Christmas Day. Arlene was a kind and gentle woman of unwavering faith, a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend who will be greatly missed. Her love for camping, hiking, biking, gardening, reading, and baking was eclipsed by her love for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her husband of 67 years, Arlen, and her Lord and Savior.

She leaves behind a legacy of children; Dan (Kathleen) Matson, Calvin (Brenda) Matson, Cheryl (Don) Carlson, Lori (Tom) Hodek, and daughter-in-law, Becky (Bryce) Matson; 19 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren, brothers; Jerry Griswold and Rick Griswold, brother-in-law, Clyde (Bug) VanPelt, nieces, nephews, and friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Arlen Matson, her childhood sweetheart who shared a remarkably similar name. Also preceding her were her parents, Arthur and Edith Griswold, brother, Raymond, sisters; Margaret VanPelt, Helen Harris, Betty Fortelka, and son, Bryce Matson.

Arlene was born in Cadillac, MI, April 22, 1935. She met Arlen, the love of her life while attending Cadillac High School. The couple married in a surprise ceremony on Palm Sunday, April 11, 1954. They moved to Morocco where Arlen was stationed in the Air Force and their first child, Dan was born. After returning home to Michigan, they had four more children. Arlene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother always caring for her family and creating special memories. An avid reader, Arlene spent 25 years serving as librarian at Bible Baptist Church. She wrote poetry honoring her family and friends, and used her gift of hospitality to host events for those she knew. She authored a cookbook, (requested by her grandchildren) sharing her special recipes and joy of cooking, baking, and preparing delicious home cooked comfort food. She baked countless loaves of sourdough bread to share with others, and inspired others to continue her traditions. Arlene and her family enjoyed being in nature surrounded by God's creation and enjoyed cross-country skiing, bicycling, backpacking, canoeing, camping and croquet games through the years. She and her husband founded the Grand Traverse Hiking Club and volunteered together on the North Country Trail. Faith and spirituality were the foundation of Arlene's life and taking daily walks was one of her favorite ways to connect to the fullness of God's beauty. She was a long-time member of Bible Baptist Church, assisting in establishing an Awana program, teaching Sunday school, hosting missionaries and managing the church library. As a wife, mother, and grandmother she was a beloved caregiver, encourager, and friend whose joyful spirit, heartfelt kindness and love for God, family and friends impacted countless lives.

A funeral service honoring Arlene's life will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Bible Baptist Church in Traverse City. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a procession to Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685 or the Grand Traverse Hiking Club, 520 Highland Park Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Arlene's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home is caring for Arlene and her family.