Wilma Ann (Dotson) Matthiesen passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born Oct. 17, 1936, to William H. Dotson and Zora Francis (Shields) Dotson in Chehalis, Washington.
Wilma was a longtime resident of Lewis County, spending just a few childhood years in Oregon. She graduated from W.F. West High School in 1954. That same year, on Dec. 4, she married Gene R. Matthiesen. They raised three children together: one son, Jeff Gene, and two daughters, Kim Marie and Jill Ann.
During their 69 years of marriage, Gene and Wilma built a thriving farm business. Wilma managed the books while Gene worked the farm. Wilma supported her family through multiple jobs, including homemaker, photo developer, church secretary and insurance bookkeeper. Later, she owned and operated a small business, Party Papers, in downtown Chehalis with her sister, Linda.
Wilma created a home that welcomed drop-in visits and many celebrations. She loved a good chat and time spent with loved ones. As her children grew, the family made many trips to local beaches and lakes. In later years, she and Gene often visited Long Beach, Washington.
Wilma was a member of the Lewis County Dairy Wives and First Christian Church. She was an avid reader, rabbit handler and antique collector.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Matthiesen; her parents, William and Zora Dotson; her sister, Linda Dotson; her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Micki Matthiesen; her nephew, Jed Boles; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Burton.
She is survived by her two daughters, Kim (John) Hagara and Jill (Ron) Lambert; six grandchildren, Jake Lambert, John Hagara, Raymond Lambert, Katie Hagara, Veronica Wike and Cody Lambert; 11 great-grandchildren; her niece, Jody Cate; her nephew, Mark Boles; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.
Visitation will be held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, Washington 98531, on March 21, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m.
A celebration of life will be held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, Washington 98531, on March 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon.
