Emma Jean Nash, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, due to a failing heart and other related health issues. Emma was attended in her passing with loving care from her daughter, Bettina Nash, Providence Hospice and the wonderful care and attention given by Chehalis West Assisted Living.
She was born Nov. 22, 1928, to Grace and John Matney, in Musselshell, Mont., and was delivered in birth by her grandfather, Dr. John H. Matney.
Emma was raised in Missoula, Mont., and then spent many of her later years residing on the “John Matney Farm” surrounded by many of her siblings and the many friendships that she developed within her beloved church community.
She was married to Thomas Herbert Nash, Nov. 8, 1946, living in Missoula and then moving to Auburn, Wash., to help her husband get started in the grocery business, starting her family in Auburn, then returning to Missoula until she made her final move to the farm life with children in-tow living close to her mother, Grace and family.
In Missoula, Emma worked during her high school years at the Hoaley-Oak Drug Store, then onto the Department of the United States Army and then the Forest Service Division of Montana, then later in Washington State. She worked as a telephone tree coordinator, spent 20 years as a stenographer for the State of Washington in Tumwater Wash., then became a member employee of the Retired Public Employees Retired Council of which she served as a convention delegate for five years.
Emma loved gardening, sewing, raising her children, meeting and laughing with her sisters, Ruthie, Judy, Caroline and her niece, Vickie, visiting with her brother, Jerry and his wife, Patty, feeding and nurturing the many colorful birds, who visited her each and every day on her back porch and working diligently with her church in the church ministry of community services of which she loved helping those who were facing difficult times.
She was strong in her Christian faith and loved the Lord, showering her children with the knowledge of God and showing the love of Christ by her sweetness and kindness with whomever she met or conversed with. She was full of joy and warmth, even in the most difficult times of her life and always welcoming.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and John Matney; siblings, John “Pat” Matney, Joseph Michael Matney, James Matney, Pauline Joanne Matney and Caroline J. Perrott; daughter, Teresa Ann Nash and husband, Thomas Herbert Nash.
She is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Mary Jane Goodnoh of Midwest City, Okla., Ruth Joyce Erickson of Chehalis, Wash., Judy M. Hitchcock of Chehalis, Jerry E. and Patty Matney of Longview and Martin Perrott of Chehalis; children and their spouses, Tei and Cindy Nash of Missoula, Mont., Thomas Nash and Cindy Hull of Missoula, Montm, Bettina Nash of Selah, Wash., Timothy Nash of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Tracy and Wes Hull of Hamilton, Mont. and Todd and Patricia Nash of Belton, Texas; grandchildren, Tayrn Richley, Teirsa Lavinia Nash, Tianna Newell Nash, Teia’ Faith Nash, Nikki Jean Nash, Tyler Guillen Nash, Timothy Nash, Morgan Nash-McBain, Gabe Hull and Liam Hull; great-grandchildren, Letty Lavinia Nash and Remy Lee Nash; and numerous nephews and nieces all of whom she cherished.
A funeral Service will be held Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 at 2 p.m., at the Winlock Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2660 Hwy 603, Winlcok, WA. 98596, with Pastor Mark Merrill presiding.
If you wish to make a contribution of gift, Please mail to Winlock Seventh-day Adventist Church in care of Community Services Ministry.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Mortuary Service, 229 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA 98532. 360-748-4496.
Condolences may be offered at www.brownmortuary.com
