Betty Joan (Nyquist) Mattes

Betty Joan Nyquist (Joan) was born September 25,1925, to George and Mae Nyquist, in Baker City, Oregon. On August 27, 1944, George and Mae joined hands in marriage and were blessed with three daughters: Georgia, Maxine, and Joan. Joan was the youngest of the 3 sisters.  

While in high school, Joan’s father had to find work in California due to the closing of the lumber mill in Baker. Wanting to finish high school with her peers, Joan was invited to live with her girlfriend’s family.  Joan graduated with Baker High School’s Class of 1944. 

On August 27, 1944, Joan married Donald Mattes.  They lived in Baker City and a year later the couple was blessed with a daughter, Judy.  Donald and Joan moved to Seattle, Washington, where in 1956, they were again blessed with their son, Mark. Donald and Joan’s family were quite musical. Joan played piano and violin; Donald played clarinet and saxophone; Mark played violin; and Judy sang solo. In August 1984, Donald passed away. 

Church was an integral part of the Mattes family’s life growing up in Faith Lutheran Church.  Joan served on the Synod Board for many, many years as President of Faith Lutheran Church Women’s Organization; and served numerous years teaching Sunday School. She worked on Lutheran World Relief projects, including quilting and various other projects.  Joan was famous for making quilts with her friends.  She also attended and was extremely active in supporting the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle, as well as being a member and leader of Ruth Circle. 

Joan enjoyed traveling for many years.  Her first trip was to Israel, having a wonderful time in the Holy Land.  Other travels included Spain, Greece, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Mexico, and Hawaii.  Joan also traveled several times to Africa to the Ailanga School.  In 2012, at age 87, Joan traveled with individuals from three Lutheran Churches to Ailanga Lutheran Junior Seminary as well as to a high school outside of Arusha, Tanzania.  Joan’s church group spent extensive time with the students, visited other Lutheran agencies in the area, and went on a short safari.  Joan was also a longtime supporter of Lutheran World Relief. Her travels sometimes required sleeping in a tent. 

Joan would tell you that she enjoyed her life. 

On Friday, August 4, 2023, Joan Mattes - loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother - passed away at the age of 97.  Joan will be greatly missed for her sense of humor, generosity, and concern for others. 

Joan is survived by her daughter, Judy; her son Mark; 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. 

Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; and also in Me.  John 14:1 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Joan (Nyquist) Mattes, please visit our floral store.