Marion C. Mathis, was a caring, brave and multi-talented woman – a real classic that lived a full life but left us far too soon. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she passed away surrounded by her family on April 6, 2023 at the age of 74. She was born on April 14, 1948 to her parents Glenn and Florence Currie in Red Deere, Alberta, Canada.
As a young child she moved to the United States and grew up in Sacramento and Anaheim along with her younger sister Kim. As a teenager she was one of the first female ushers to work in Major League Baseball with the Angels.
In 1967, Marion married the love of her life, Glenn E. Mathis Jr. and moved to Maxwell, CA. Together, they built a farm and ranch operation, raised three sons, DJ, Jared (Kate Mathis), and Wade (Katie Mathis), and were blessed with eight grandchildren: Trent, Mallory, Charlotte, Amelia, Sophie, Evan, Avery, and Drew.
Never afraid of a challenge, Marion was dedicated to supporting her community and sustaining agriculture in Maxwell, the region and beyond. Marion was a partner/operator of Bar M Cattle Company and a Director of 4M Water District from their founding throughout the entirety of her life. She was a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees for Maxwell Unified School District from 1979 to 1997 and founded Blue and Gold Boosters. Among many contributions, she designed and oversaw the construction of the football field announcers’ stand and snack shack. She was also a director of Tehama Canal Authority from 1980 until her passing. She co-founded and became President of Family Water Alliance in 1990 and was also active in the Colusa County Republican Central Committee, Maxwell Little League, Colusa County Juvenile Justice Commission, Colusa County 4-H, Glenn-Colusa CattleWomen, and the Colusa County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.
Throughout her life, Marion received numerous awards and recognitions for her dedication to her community, including the California State Senate Resolution 292, Colusa Anglers Environmental Achievement Award, Family Water Alliance Golden Ribbon Award and Glenn and Colusa Counties Cattlewoman of the Year. Most recently, this year she was given the inaugural Pioneer of Water Award by Moulton Niguel Water District and was named Grand Marshal for the 92nd Annual Maxwell High School Rodeo.
Marion was as comfortable in the boardroom as she was catching waves at the beach or hunting in the hills chasing a big buck. She loved to share a drink with good friends, watch a Rams game with her family and cook a grand Thanksgiving feast. Her great capacity for love, fun and faith was only matched by her willingness to fight passionately for the things she loved. She was a rare force of nature that will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community. Her wisdom, hard work, and spirit will live on through the countless lives and organizations she touched.
Marion’s rosary and funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Parish at 45 Elm Street in Maxwell, CA. The rosary will be held at 7 PM, on Friday, April 28, and the funeral service will begin at 10 AM, the next day Saturday, April 29. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service at the Maxwell Inn Bar & Grill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Marion to Sacred Heart Parish, in Maxwell.■
PUBLISHED 04/20/2023 • COLUSA COUNTY PIONEER REVIEW #2023-0268