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Mattie passed from this life to the arms of our Lord on May 30, 2021 at the age of 99 years 6 months, being born on December 5, 1921 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Her parents were Lyman and Alvina Reed.
She met her Texas soldier, Thomas E. (Hoot) Nix, who was stationed nearby and married in 1942.
They and daughter Ebba Sue traveled to Texas after WW II, settling on the Jack Mann ranch in the middle of nowhere between Sonora and Rocksprings where they lived for many years before moving to the Texas A&M Experiment Station until Hoot's retirement.
Mattie was employed by the Rocksprings School District as a bus driver, dancing teacher, academic aide, cafeteria manager, and where ever else she was needed for years.
After retirement and a brief move to Pennsylvania, she became a fixture as a favorite substitute teacher in Sonora until an un-admitted age sometime in her seventies.
Mattie was a vibrant part of the communities of Rocksprings and Sonora for seven decades being remembered along with Hoot for participation in the livestock industry, rodeos, countless barbeques, church dinners, school events and later as she served as acolyte director for the Methodist church in Sonora as well as being Mrs. Claus at the community Christmases.
She adored children and young adults, always enjoying their athletic awards, academic achievements, and citizenship accomplishments.
Countless kids remember being special to her through letters, cards, gifts, but especially by always being encouraged by her love and high expectations.
She enjoyed bridge, dancing, weddings, showers, recitals, and just being part of the entire community .
Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hoot, daughter Ebba Sue Lingle; two sisters, Geraldine Stiemling and Barbara Veach, and brother Harry Rank.
She is survived by nephews Wayne and Wendell Veach and David Lee Rank; nieces Debbie Bush, Linda Shakespear, and Anita Osmon.
A memorial service will be held on Wed. June 9, 2021, 10:00 AM at the First Methodist Church with interment in Eldorado, Texas at 11:00AM.
