Colleen Rae Matthews was born May 9th 1939, in Aberdeen South Dakota to Everett and LaRhea Shearn. Raised in Compton California by her stepfather Max and Mother LaRhea Brown.
Graduated from Compton high school and attended Compton Community college.
Married to Max Vallejo in 1958, (later divorced), together they had three Daughters: Sheri Vallejo, Vicki Matthews and Karen Ballew. Colleen later Married Casey Matthews in 1979, and gained 4 more children: Leslie Nuckles, Kevin, Kim, and Brian Matthews.
Colleen loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved her cat “Baby”, retail therapy and of course, pepper on EVERYTHING!! She was quick witted and direct. When she loved you, it was unconditional, but she didn’t put up with anyone’s crap.
Colleen was one of the hardest workers you could ever meet, working two jobs at 81 years old. Her co-workers at Mancini Marketing and Macy’s department store were like family to her and she loved them dearly.
The last few years have not been easy on our mother as her health began to cause her challenges, but she kept going each day refusing to give up.
Colleen is survived by her daughters Sheri Vallejo, Vicki (Kevin) Matthews, Karen Ballew, step-children: Leslie (Dennis) Nuckles, Kevin Matthews, Brian (Linda) Matthews, Kim Matthews (Deceased). Her sister Judy (Paul) Bauman, sister-in-law Wynette (Tom) Shearn. Survived by 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents Everett Shearn, Max and LaRhea Brown, Brother Tommy Shearn, and step-daughter Kim Matthews.
Our family would like to extend our gratitude to all those that loved and watched over our mother these last few years. The compassion so many extended to her was a kindness we can never repay.
Special thanks to her hospice nurse Heidi and her aide Claudia these last few months. We don’t know what we would have done without your guidance, support and loving care of our Mother.
Rest in peace mom – “love you more”.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 at the Provo City Cemetery beginning at 1:30 PM. For a full obituary and to share condolences with the family, please visit www.larkincares.com.
I worked with Colleen at Mancini and she was a true friend and always made me laugh!
She will be missed
God Bless
Scott Lund
Dear Vicki and Family,
I’m so sorry about the loss of you Mom. She will be missed. Sending you all healing thoughts.
Love, Bear
My condolences to all the family of Colleen, was my co-worker, my friend a wonderful person a encouraged woman, the best friend. She left a best example of hard worker nothing stop her .I will miss her, very kind and nice words,always.
Rest my dear Friend, no pain anymore, you're free. I love you .
Colleen was a loving and caring person! So sorry to hear of her passing.
Debbie Edwards
Dear Colleen's Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Colleen's passing. There is so much that describes Colleen, beautiful, caring a fearless supporter and a great sense of humor! May your hearts soon be filled with the wonderful memories. My deepest gratitude to Colleen for all her love and support and I wish you all strength and love.
Love you more Mom! miss and love you
What a dear friend you were. Never replace our lunches and your quick texts. We had so many laughs at ourselves for doing something and then wondering what the heck. You were the best of everything and I'll never forget your wisdom and funnies along the way. You were always thinking and helping others when in so much pain yourself. You got me thru some very trying times and for that I'm truly grateful. Love you friend, may you rest now free of pain. I'll never forget you, you were the BEST!!!
I am sending you all my love and prayers through this difficult time. She has joined my grandpa Tom and they are celebrating their reunion together. Love you all
Bless you Colleen, you we’re a sister to me, we had many a time over the years To visit by phone. You were always there!!
I will miss those special times!!
Wynnette
Love you to the moon and back! You left behind several kids, grand-great grand kids that are going to constantly cause you stress, laughter, and sometimes just baffle you.
Don't worry we got it. Especially knowing you are there watching over and laughing at us!!!
My heart breaks at the lost of my loving sister . We were not blood but the bond was unbreakable. I can't know how deep your pain is as her loving family. I didn't get your message until today or I would have been there for her service . Vicki when you feel up to it please give me a call
Love and prayers for the family
Garry Franklin
Dear Vicki and other family members... Sending you my condolences for the loss of your beautiful mother. I had the pleasure of doing her hair the last probably 15 plus years. She was like a second mother to me always having great conversations and listening to each other. I thought the world of her I couldn't believe what a hard worker she was always pushing through no matter what she was going through I always admired her strength and her strong personality. I could go on and on about how special I think your mom was . I am grateful I had the chance to know her. My condolences again ♥️💔♥️