Jeanette Matis Obituary

(Anna) Jeanette Terry Matis

Mar 24, 1940 - Jul 21, 2025

(Anna) Jeanette Terry Matis passed away peacefully in her home on July 21, 2025, in College Station, Texas, at the age of 85. She was born to Raymond and Stella Terry in Ogden, UT, on March 24, 1940, as the seventh of eight children in the family. Roy was a farming community, and Jeanette was raised as a farm girl. She attended the local Weber County schools, graduating from Weber High School in 1958.

After studying at Weber Junior College, Jeanette started to work as a secretary for the Utah Army Depot. She married her high school sweetheart, James (Jim) Matis, on Sept. 13, 1963, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The couple first made their home in Ogden, UT; moved to Provo, UT, in 1965; and moved to College Station, TX, in 1967. College Station remained their home ever since. Jeanette and Jim were blessed with over 60 years of marriage and have 4 children who were raised in College Station and became Aggies.

Jeanette loved life and is remembered for her happy countenance. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous church capacities, including as local ward or stake Relief Society (women's auxiliary) president for 9 years, and youth seminary instructor for 10 years. She later served humanitarian missions to Syria (2008-2010) and to Lebanon (2013), and a temple mission to Finland (2018-2020). Though she did not speak the local languages on her missions, she made close friends through the nonverbal language of love, which she expressed often with her smiles.

Jeanette's hobbies include cooking and travel. Those who enjoyed her special signature dishes over the years include her grandchildren and numerous other students who studied at TAMU. She enjoyed traveling with her family, with many trips to Europe and to India where Jim was on academic assignments.

Jeanette is survived by her husband Jim, and children Christine Ogden (Todd), Marianne Mohr, Barbara Garey (Mark), and Tim Matis (Wendy Humphrey). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Caroline Kostrzewa (Riley), J. R. Ogden, Lauren Wright (Josh); Madelyn Waldron (Connor), Darryl, Kent (Tara) and Colleen Mohr; Tyler (Constanza), Amanda and Roger Garey; and Tucker, Mark, John, Elle and Ryland Matis; 6 great-grandchildren, Hudson, Eleanor, Stella, Jack, Charlie and Samuel; her sister Elaine Johnson and sister-in-law Joan Terry. Jeanette is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Jack, Howard, Richard, Keith, Robert, and Carol; and son-in-law John (Jack) Mohr.

Jeanette was strengthened through her final, hospice period by her faith in God and in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Heartfelt thanks be to her skillful and compassionate hospice caregivers; Ro Nickerson, Von Perry, Linda Davis, and Olivia Keefer; and to the many friends for their prayers and service.

A visitation will be held at Hillier Funeral Home in College Station on Thursday, July 31, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On Friday, August 1, friends, and family may also gather at 2815 Welsh Avenue beginning at 12:30 PM, with a funeral service celebrating Jeanette's life beginning at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brazos Valley Food Bank and to LDS Philanthropies. Condolences and expressions of gratitude for Jeanette and her life may be shared at www.hillierfuneralhome.com.

Hillier of College Station

4080 State Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845