Carmen B. Matus

On January 14th, 2019, Carmen B. Matus was called to join her departed loving brothers and sisters. “Nana Carmen” as she was so well known by her family, entered this world on April 29th, 1928 in Duquesne, AZ. Carmen was the youngest and last child of the Rivera’s, a name whose roots run deep within Southern Arizona and is considered one of the pioneering families to the region. While Duquesne was her birthplace, she lived her life across the area, making the town of Patagonia her home and the home of the family she created.

She is predeceased by her father, Jose Jimenez Rivera, mother, Concepción Soto Rivera, daughter, Amy Louise Matus. The youngest of 12 siblings, she is predeceased by brothers and sisters, Mercedes Rivera Matus (Manuel), Miguel Rivera (Consuelo), Dolores Rivera, Angela Rivera Sinohui (Francisco), Mary Lou Rivera McCracken (James), Concepción “Concha” Soto Rivera Anaya (Candelario), Jose Rivera Jr. (Ramona), Clara Rivera Sinohui (Alejandro), Benjamin Rivera (Carmen). She is survived by loving brothers Carlos Soto Rivera (Belia), and Tomas Soto Rivera (Virginia).

Within her immediate family, she is survived by her loving husband, William Y. Matus, to whom she was married for over 70 years; daughters Emma Matus Voss (Arthur), and Cynthia Matus Morriss (Ronald R.); grandchildren Aimee Naegelin Varela (Rick), John William Montanez (Amanda), Charles T. Morriss, Rhonda Morriss Bothwell (Al), and Samantha A. Morriss; great-grandchildren James, Elliana, and Kayleigh Carmen Varela, Johnny, Alexis, and Tommy Montanez, and Emily Wilson Thomas (Bradan), in addition to many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves her loving kitty cats, 80lb lap dog, “Halo,” and all favorite things including gardening and yard work, cooking, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Scrabble marathons, hiking, and family gatherings across the valle, Duquesne, and “Marta’s Place.”

Carmen was loved and respected by all who knew her. From a very young age she led a life devoted to family and caring for others; a selfless life of sacrifice and giving back to her community as much as her family. She was a dedicated worker at several ranches including, the Rancho Grande, Circle Z, Empire, and Rail X. Additionally she ran the Alamo Country Store, Big Foot Feed & Supply, and other small businesses and clinics. One of her biggest passions was bringing countless smiles to local seniors for years as a site manager for the Patagonia Senior Citizens Center.

While our family mourns her passing, we are comforted by the endless love and kindness she showed us, the strength she instilled within us, and many wonderful years of memories and stories of her that remain with us. Her smile, voice, and laughter are forever ingrained within our hearts. We love you always, Nana Carmen.

“She lived, and laughed, and loved, and left, and our lives will never be the same.”

- James Joyce -

Family and friends will honor Carmen through a celebration of life on Saturday, April 27th, 2019 in Patagonia, AZ. More details to follow.