Mary Ellen Matlock

February 10, 1954 - May 2, 2021

Mary Ellen Matlock of St. James, Missouri passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 67. Mary Ellen was born in Phelps County on February 10, 1954 to Benny and Mary (Mesplay) Spurlin. Mary Ellen married the love of her life, Ricky Matlock on November 24, 1971, this union was blessed with three daughters. Mary Ellen worked in healthcare for many years; she enjoyed fishing, shopping, going to flea markets, and yard sales; she also enjoyed gardening, and set out with the best of intentions to have a big, and bountiful garden, however, more often than not, the weeds were her downfall; she loved to bake, and experiment with different dishes that she offered to her family; most importantly she adored her family, especially when the grandchildren arrived, and then the great-grands, anytime spent with family and friends was such a blessing to her. She will be loving missed by all that knew and loved her. Mary Ellen Matlock is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Ricky Matlock, of the home; daughters, Angie Fleshman and husband Jim, of St. James, MO, Robyn Shirley, of St. James, MO, and Samantha Richardson and husband David, of Rolla, MO; grandchildren, Derick Fleshman (Ashlynn), Justin Taft , and friend, Kimberley Eckert, Jacob Taft, Hannah Railey, Haydyn Matlock, and Hunter Jones; great-grandchildren, Kylynn and Kallie Fleshman, and Gracie and Oliver Taft; brother, Jim Mesplay, of Davenport, IA; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 1:00PM at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Gary Bartle officiating. Interment will be at the Dillon Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be at the Chapel on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 5-7PM. Memorials are suggested to the Dillon Cemetery, cards are available at all James & Gahr locations.