HERTHA HENNY MATSON (Nee Schmahl), at the age of 93 years, beloved wife of the late Clarence ""Dutch"" Murray Matson and with her Great Niece at her side, went peacefully to be with the Lord.

Hertha was born on April 6, 1915 in Hamburg, Germany to Amanda (Schau) and August Schmahl. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1927, settling in Beechy, SK. In 1929 due to the Great Drought, Hertha and her family moved to Meadow Lake, SK.

Upon completion of High School in 1937, Hertha moved to Prince Albert, SK and started her training as a Nurse. In 1939, after two years and too many bed pan cleanings, Hertha decided it was not her vocation.
Hertha and a girlfriend started to head for Vancouver, BC and stopped in Calgary, AB to see the Stampede. While touring Calgary, Hertha and her girlfriend stopped in The Mandarin Restaurant located across the street from the CNN Train Station for a bite to eat. For some unknown reason, the Restaurant's Staff had just quit and walked out on the owner. The Owner, Mr. Ming immediately went directly to Hertha and her girlfriend and asked if they could help serve. Feeling sorry for Mr. Ming they immediately began to help and at closing of the day, Mr. Ming asked if they would continue to work for him just until he was able to hire new staff. Hertha continued working at the Mandarin Restaurant until 1940. Then one morning, Mr. Ming made Hertha a proposition, advising her that he was opening a New Restaurant in Banff, AB. He asked if she would like to manage the Restaurant for him. She said yes, BUT for ONLY ONE YEAR, as she still wanted to move out West to Vancouver, BC.

It's now April 1942 and for some unknown reason Hertha is still managing the Banff, AB Restaurant. Lucky for her because that was when she met ""The Love of Her Life"", Clarence ""Dutch"" Murray Matson of Magrath, AB. Three months later on July 24, 1942 they were married in the Banff United Church. ""WHO SAY'S"" 'LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT IS JUST A FAIRYTALE?' It happened to Hertha!

After her wedding, Hertha became a very dedicated and loving wife. Hertha and her husband soon moved to Chilliwack, BC for 4 years as her husband was called for duty with the Royal Canadian Army. After Dutch's discharge, Dutch returned back to his Former Employer ""Mannix Ltd."" and for the next 16 years Hertha and her husband moved from one Construction Site to another between Alberta and British Columbia.

In 1962, Hertha and Dutch retired to Penticton, BC. In 1964 Hertha lost her husband in a tragic accident and shortly afterwards returned to Lethbridge, AB to be close to her husband's family. In 1979, Hertha's sister Irma moved to Lethbridge, and that's when Hertha and her sister became World Travelers. For the next 21 years they accomplished to travel to over 23 Countries and have written journals of their travels.
Hertha was an Active Member of Eastern Star for over 50 years. She was also very active in volunteering, golf, bowling, lawn bowling, curling, and many numerous activities. Hertha was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand.

Hertha leaves to mourn her passing, sister-in-Law, Ester Toomer of Magrath, AB; a very good friend Mildred Rinke of Lethbridge; two nephews, Norman (Lorri) Schmahl of Delta, BC. and Roy Clouse of Santa Clara, CA; four great-nieces, Brenda Baldrey (Oriano) of Lethbridge, Diane Harasemow of Delta, BC, Sharon Hendrickson (Rusty) of Lethbridge, Gail Hendrickson of Sexton, ON and two great-nephews, Brian Hendrickson (Val) of Raymond, AB and Lyle Hendrickson of Richmond, BC, plus numerous great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews and a special cousin Hans (Marie) Schmahl and his family of Marshall, Minnesota.

Besides her loving husband, Clarence ""Dutch"" Murray Matson, Hertha was predeceased by her Parents August and Amanda Schmahl; Brother Walter Schmahl; Sister Irma Emma Gray, Nephews, Ralph, Edgar and Larry Hendrickson and a Great Great Niece Laurel Hendrickson.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Maple Leaf Chapter #7 (Eastern Star), c/o Mildred Rinke, 2722 - 10 ""A"" Ave North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 1M5.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, with Mary Yvonne Hohm officiating. Interment to follow at the Archmount Cemetery.