Mary Elizabeth Matter, age 76, of Lytton, IA, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017.  Mary was born in Lake City, IA, on May 17, 1940, to Herman and Evelyn (Lane) Seil. She grew up on a farm near Lohrville, IA and received her formal education at Lohrville, graduating in 1958.  She attended the AIB School of Business in Des Moines for one year.   

On April 14, 1963, Mary was united in marriage to Darwin Matter at Lohrville.  This union was blessed with two sons, Scott and Mike.  They made their home on the Matter family farm.  Mary was a very active farm wife, operating farm equipment during the Spring and Fall and working shoulder to shoulder with Darwin and the boys in caring for the livestock. 

Some of her best memories were from the fun times spent with her sons after chores each evening.  During warmer months, she could be seen shooting baskets with the boys in the family’s driveway or hitting baseballs to Scott and Mike to help get ready for baseball season.

After her sons were grown, Mary managed the local convenience store in Lytton and later worked in the business office of the Lake City Hospital. 

She enjoyed getting together with her family for special occasions and was enormously proud of each of her grandchildren’s accomplishments and was frequently in attendance to watch Zach’s football games, Haley’s volleyball games and Hannah’s track meets.

Mary had a special bond with her twin sister Margaret and younger sister Pat.  She especially looked forward to Pat’s visits each summer and spending time with Margaret at Twin Lakes.

At the age of 18, Mary and Margaret won the Most Alike Twins contest at the Iowa State Fair.

 As a member of Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church, Mary at various times served as a deacon and as a member of the worship committee.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Darwin; sons: Scott Matter of New York City, NY, and Mike Matter and wife Janelle of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren: Zach, Haley, and Hannah; sisters: her twin Margaret Harms of Lytton and Pat Koroulis of Gilbert, AZ; brothers: Herman Seil of Farnhamville and Jeff Seil of Farnhamville; many extended family members and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Henry Seil.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church.