Obituary of Mildred Davis Matz

Mildred Matz, age 87, departed this life suddenly on April 8th, 2024. She was born to Charles and Lovica Davis in the Little Creek section of Bland County, Virginia. She graduated from Radford University in 1973 with a degree in special education and was also certified to teach grades one through seven. She went on to obtain a master's degree from VPI in 1983. Her career as a teacher for Wythe County Public Schools spanned over 25 years. Mildred loved to travel and took many trips to numerous countries all over the world. She once stated that her favorite countries all began with the letter I: Ireland, Italy, and Israel. She had a passion for animals, always owning at least one dog and cat. In fact, she liked wildlife too and rescued several baby rabbits from the clutches of her dachshunds, caring for them until they were well enough to be released back into the wild. Sewing, knitting, and crocheting were pastimes she enjoyed in earlier years. She also enjoyed gardening and tending to her houseplants and was an ardent reader of a variety of books. She attended Davis United Methodist Church. She and her husband both taught classes there and supported many church functions, including delivering holiday food baskets to the elderly, disabled, and shut-ins. Mildred is predeceased by her husband, Richard Matz, and her siblings, Marvin and Allen Davis, Vergie Hamblin, and a host of half-siblings. She is survived by her children, Jason Matz of Little Creek, Susan Howell of Washington state, and a grandson, Eric Howell of Bremerton, WA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 27th, in the Hidden Valley Cemetery on Little Creek. Visitation is private, but anyone wishing to pay their respects to Mildred is encouraged to stop by the funeral home and sign the register. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shades of Grace UMC in Kingsport, TN, or an animal humane society of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com The Matz family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.