Carol Lou Zwack Matyas born December 23, 1930 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to John Zwack and Nellie Slis Zwack. She was the oldest of four siblings.
Carol married the love of her life Louis Samuel Matyas on January 19, 1950. They were blessed with four daughters, Cheryl, Michelle, Melinda and Cindy, as well as 17 grand and 22 great grandchildren.
Carol began her working career at Woolworth’s in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Once moving to Helena, Montana she became a buyer for Hennessy’s Department Store and retired after 25 years, making life long friends.
Carol enjoyed ceramics, collecting precious moments, walking along the beach and listening to the waves. She loved her trips to Las Vegas. She loved teaching her children and grandchildren how to make candy cane cookies and almond letter and watching the Hallmark Channel. Carol and Lou’s greatest passion was traveling. Their favorite places were Hawaii, Panama Canal, Alaska, Mexico, and Hungary. Their married life began in Michigan, taking them to California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada and returning to Montana.
Carol is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and a brother and sister. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, a brother, and a granddaughter. A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2020 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena, Montana.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Carol.
Sandy says
Thinking of you all many prayers! Most especially thinking of my Murphy family. Ryan, Wendy, Kassidy, and our boy Teagan! Rest In Peace sweet grandma! ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
Karen Heil says
So sorry for the loss of your mother. She and Lou were good to me. Hope you all are doing well.
Paul and Linda Matyas says
We will miss you Aunt Carol and your most interesting visits back to your hometown of Kalamazoo.
DAVE MATYAS & LUVINA ALVAREZ says
TO OUR COUSINS, VERY SAD, AND AUNT CAROL WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, WE WERE LUCKY IN KALAMAZOO TO HAVE SEEN OUR UNCLE LOUIE AND AUNT CAROL DURING UNCLE MATT’S SICKNESS. IT IS STILL A GREAT MEMORY. SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY, THEY WERE THE LOVING BEST. TAKE CARE COUSINS
Stephanie and Brad Munk says
Michelle, Peter and Families..
My sincere sympathies to all of you.
I hope the memories of your big family gatherings and love for one another make will console you all.
Carol & Bud Place & The IBM Montana Family says
To the family of Carol L. Matyas –
Hard to realize that it’s been almost 15 months since we drove down from Cascade for Lou’s impressive graveside service and nice gathering afterwards. Sorry to not be able to attend Carol’s service but want you all to know that we are thinking of you folks during this difficult time.
Of course we knew Lou much better due to working with him so many years in the office at IBM. However, we always enjoyed Carol’s twinkling eyes and sense of humor whenever she attended one of our IBM events with Lou.
May you all remember the good times and let those warm memories bring smiles to your faces. Our condolences and blessings to all.
Diane Matyas says
So sad to hear of Aunt Carol’s passing. Loved their visits to Kalamazoo! Especially making grandmas donuts. My prayers with all you cousins during this time.
Debbie Matyas-Marr says
So very sad to hear of Aunt Carol’s passing. We all had such a wonderful time when Uncle Louie and Aunt Carol came to Kalamazoo. Loved the day trip Aunt Carol, my sister Diane and I made to Holland Michigan. Aunt Carol so badly wanted to visit Dutch Village. I really remember back in 1983 & 1985 Uncle Louie and Aunt Carol making trip down to Yellowstone National Park to visit me the two summers I worked out there. It was so exciting for me to think that they came down to say hello. It meant alot to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you my cousins
Debbie Matyas-Marr says
I had to add one more great memory of Aunt Carol. She came all the way to Kalamazoo to end up being interviewed by the local news station. She was pretty excited about that. Even if it was a hotel on lockdown. I don’t remember the exact details of why. but she really enjoyed being on the news. again. my condolences to you my cousins
Kristopher Matyas says
Miss you Grandma. Thank you for all the love, kindness and guideance over the years. You will always be in my heart and thoughts.
I still make malts and almond letters. I remember the two of us trying to track down relatives the last time I was in Germany and Amsterdam! That was funny! Give Grandpa loves from us!