Maxine May Matson, age 79, of Sweet Home passed away Monday, May 4. She was born in Marilton, Arkansas to Sherman and Julie May (Williams) Wells.

She lived in Arkansas until the 6th grade. As a teenager, she came to Oregon. She met her husband, Fred, in Bend. He served in the Army during WWII. They married when she was 16 years old, and they started their family. They moved to Sweet Home to raise their family. Eventually, they moved to Calapooia where they still have their family home.

Maxine was always a hard worker and loved the outdoors and gardening. She was always a loving mother and took great care in making sure her family was well kept. She enjoyed visiting the Oregon coast and the dunes. Maxine loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Maxine is survived by children, Geralyn Wands and Betty Lou Groves of Sweet Home, Charlene Matson of Salem, Imagean Thompson of Lyons, and Alfred Wayne Matson and Norma Rae Hutson of Sweet Home; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred; son, Raymond Burt Matson in 1997; daughter, Julie Ann May Burroughs in 2007; sister, Nettie Reynolds; and three brothers.

A viewing will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, also at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling services.