October 8, 1943 ~ April 3, 2026
Billy “Frances” Mattix, 82, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, April 3, 2026, at her son’s home in Coloma, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on October 8, 1943, in Desha, Arkansas, Frances was the daughter of Woodrow and Edna (Dawson) Hunter. On June 9, 1962, she married the love of her life, Wayne K. Mattix, beginning a devoted partnership that would span nearly six decades. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others.
Frances had a gentle and nurturing spirit that shined through in her work as a teacher’s aide with Dowagiac Public Schools, where she touched the lives of many children over the years. She was a faithful and active member of Pleasant View Church of Christ, where her kindness and quiet strength were felt by all who knew her. She also enjoyed the fellowship of the Dowagiac Chapter #1508 Women of the Moose.
At home, Frances found joy in the simple pleasures—sewing, knitting, and crocheting beautiful pieces for those she loved. Her hands were rarely still, and her creations were often gifts made from the heart. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment she was able to share with them.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Michael (Tracy) Mattix and Melissa Mattix; her grandchildren, Kaitlin (Zac) Pierce, Rebecca (Tony) Thar, Courtney (Sean) Hennen, Cierra (Brendan) McCaffrey, and Kenneth Isaac Mattix; and her eleven great-grandchildren, Abbi and Parker Pierce, Mattix and Taylor Thar, Foster and Demi Hennen, and Logan, Bryon, Jonathan, Killian, and Neila McCaffrey. She is also survived by her brother, Wilson “Pete” (Linda) Hunter, along with several nieces and nephews.
Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Wayne; her parents; her brothers, Thomas and Willie Hunter; and her sister, Margaret Lee.
Frances will be remembered for her loving heart, her steady faith, and the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply.
A service to celebrate Frances’ life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 13, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with her family from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Pastor Jeff Oliver will officiate. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.
Memorial contributions in Frances’ name may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit Frances’ personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
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