Dorothy Lynn Mattison, 57, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at her home in Twin Falls with her family and close friends at her side. Dorothy was born September 3, 1959 in Shoshone, Idaho to Farrell Norton Clark and Rose Lueders. She is survived by her husband Brad Mattison, who loved and cared for her, her son Collin, her sister Jane Houst who loved and adored her, and her beloved nieces Ashley and Lydia.
Her father, the late Farrell Norton Clark, was a 71 year old chicken farmer and carpenter when Dorothy was born, so Dorothy grew up with some old fashioned values and customs. She always continued to use a telephone book, preferred talking to people rather than texting, never had a Facebook page, still bought stamps and licked envelopes, handwrote notes and letters and preferred fresh food and home cooked meals to fast food. Dorothy thrived while growing up on a farm where she learned the value of hard work. Dorothy graduated from High School in 1978. She then moved to Twin Falls, attended business school, got her first job working at Magic Valley Memorial Hospital as a ward clerk and then went to work as a bookkeeper at Cain's Furniture Store where she was employed for 30 years.
Dorothy appreciated good friends and company as well as fine food and cooking. She was a wizard in the kitchen, preparing from scratch a delicious variety of pies, cakes, salsas, canned peaches; her pickled asparagus was legendary. Dorothy also collected cookbooks and enjoyed sharing recipes.
Dorothy was an artistically talented and creative quilter with a keen eye for color. She kept "tons" of fabric on hand and had a detailed knowledge of fabrics, including the names of the designer for each bolt of cloth. Dorothy's cozy, vintage- style home was made beautiful by her artistic creations. Dorothy's garden also seemed to grow more green, more colorful, and more bountifully than those of her jealous friends. She had a phenomenal green thumb.
Dorothy was an avid collector of buttons, fabrics, jewelry, matchbooks, seashells, antique bottles and vintage magazines. For several years, Dorothy was treasurer of the Idaho State Button Club. She knew virtually everything about buttons and their history. Her button collection is amazing. Some buttons were framed under glass, including one collection of pansy buttons.
Dorothy had so many gifts; she had the gift of appreciating, recognizing and encouraging talents in other people; she had the gift of a kind heart that made the lives of those who knew her sparkle. Dorothy was a gift.
Dorothy will always be remembered as a wonderful, down to earth, fun to be with human being. She had an unforgettable laugh that was genuine and full of her love for life. Dorothy was bright and inspiring, touching hearts and lifting spirits. Dorothy is missed and will always be cherished.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Twin Falls Animal Shelter in Dorothy's name (remember: Dorothy loved cats) A remembrance and celebration of Dorothy's life is planned for later this coming spring. Please call Jane at 571-7891 or Lynn at 358-5331 for more information. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.