Patricia Matlock

Patricia “Pat” K. Matlock (nee Neilson), 81, went home to be with the Lord on June 15, 2026 in Spokane, WA from metastatic breast cancer. Pat was born in Spokane on May 11, 1945 to Otto and Helen Neilson. She was the 5th child of 11. She was born, raised and never moved from the Spokane area. She married the love of her life Clyde “Spike” D. Matlock on October 14, 1964, in which four children were born, Dean, Julie, Tricia and Jason. Together they built a house across from her childhood home and lived there until her passing. She was a school bus driver for West Valley School District for 20+years. She had a huge heart for her kids on the bus mentoring and providing guidance for them in any way she could. At the end of each year she would serve pizza or popsicles to her kids on the bus. Additionally, she worked at Weight Watchers, taught belly dancing and volunteered at Crosswalks (homeless shelter for kids).

Family was always her primary focus. She was the one who would always coordinate the family reunions at her home. If a family gathering was to be had, she would be the one to plan it and host. She loved serving her famous potato, macaroni, orange and pistachio salads for everyone. She was a fantastic cook and canner. Everyone would fight over her canned peaches, green beans and frozen raspberry jam. She had an extreme love for bluebirds, flowers and playing the piano (self taught).

Her grandkids will always remember her for her rice crispy pumpkins at Halloween and her heart shaped sugar cookies at Valentines Day.If you had a problem, she was the first to call or arrive to offer a helping hand. She was a very loving and giving person.

After retirement, her and Spike enjoyed line-dancing at different locations around the area. They loved traveling and exploring Montana. They also would travel to never miss attending their grandchildren’s birthdays and graduations. You could always count on them to be in attendance for every event, family or not.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, her four children Dean Matlock, Julie Baggest (Dave), Tricia Johnson (Jason) and Jason Matlock. Eleven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Her siblings Evelyn Cooper, Ron Neilson, Elaine Rapaich, Bill Neilson, Richard Neilson and Tom Neilson. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

Visitation will be held from 10am-5pm on Fri., June 26th at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N Division St, Spokane. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Sat., June 27th at North Addison Baptist Church, 6120 N. Addison Street, Spokane. A reception will follow at the church and then we will travel to Steptoe for a graveside service at Bethel Cemetery.

If you would like to make a donation in her name, some suggestions would be a local humane society, cancer society or the blind society.