Regina Jeran Mattox, 81, formerly of Thomas, died peacefully in her sleep on August 4th in Cotopaxi, Colorado.
She was born August 23, 1934, in Coketon, the only child of the late Joseph Jeran and Antonia Kotnik Jeran. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Geoffrey Mattox of Colorado, an uncle, Frank P. Kotnik of Coketon, and aunts, Mayme E. Shillingberg of Fairfield, California and Regina T. Santer of Vienna.
Raised in a matriarchal family from the time her father died when she was six-years-old, she lived with her mother and grandmother, Marie Kotnik until she left for West Virginia University.
After college, she worked in Pittsburgh and then moved to California where she met her husband. In 1961, she married Donald E. Mattox. They had two children – a son, Geoffrey Mattox who died in 2005, and a daughter, Antonia Mattox.
Regina was always an avid reader and belonged to numerous book clubs. She also enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, and board games; traveling; and spending time with friends and family. After her first cancer diagnosis, she became a Stephan Minister, and later a volunteer chaplain.
She is survived by her husband, Donald E. Mattox, daughter and son-in-law Antonia Mattox and Micheal Hasty, all of Colorado; many cousins; and family members of her stepsister, the late Alice Jeran Utley of Iowa.
At her request, she was cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church of Thomas or a charity of your choice.
