Kathryn Dianne (Perry) Matson

Kathryn Dianne Perry-Matson, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 16th 2021 at the home of her eldest daughter in Battle Creek, Michigan after a short struggle with congestive heart failure.

She was born on August 8th, 1938 to James and Kathryn (Perry) Matson in Charlotte, Michigan.  She graduated from high school in Nashville, Michigan.  Kathryn retired from Hastings Manufacturing after 40 years of service.  She was married at the age of 21 and had three children.

Kathryn was very active in competitive sports in school, and continued into adulthood.  She competed in basketball, softball, and track & field, as well as archery with much success.

Besides spending time with her family, she enjoyed hobbies including gardening and fishing.  She was a very talented artist working with wood, but her passion was creating beauty from a piece of leather.  Kathryn also enjoyed watching men’s and women’s college ball games, with her favorite being women’s basketball.

Kathryn is preceded in death by her mother and father as well as her brothers James Perry Jr. and William Weinert.  She is survived by her brother Robert Perry & wife Trish Perry, brother Michael Weinert, son John D. Matson & wife Kelly Matson, daughter Kathryn J. Starks & husband Mark Starks, and daughter Robin Edson & husband Brent Anthony.

Kathryn is also survived by 8 grandchildren:  John & wife Christina Matson, Jerimiah & wife Annie Brand, Joshua & wife Nancy Brand, Duwayne & wife Casey Hunt, Devin & wife Emily Starks, Jerusalah & husband Trevor Starks-Jones, Kathryn E Matson & Kaitlyn S. Edson.

Also surving her are 14 great grandchildren including Jeremiah Brand Jr., Kaidyn & Locklyn Brand, October & Giovanni Matson, Chase Sheehan, Camryn Hunt, Lexi Starks, Iris & Adaline St.John, Ariana & Elena Jones, and Kathryn V. Heiss.

She also had 7 paternal extended family brothers & sisters, John, Mark, Susan, Kelly, Richard, Randy and Vickie.

Kathryn’s ashes will be interred at a local family plot.  In lieu of flowers or donations, Kathryn expressed her desire to have trees planted in her memory.  Family and friends may express condolences when visiting the website www.kempffuneralhome.com