Vicki Lynn Matkin, 51

Vicki Lynn Matkin, 51, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, after a heroic battle with cancer.

She was born June 5, 1954, in LaMoure, N.D., the second child of Ivan and Diane (Hess) Wallgren. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Deer Lodge, where she grew up. She loved horses and barrel racing. She graduated from Powell County High School in 1972, and went to work for the Montana State Registrar's Office.

Vicki married Rick Matkin in 1973. Their first son, Cory, was born in 1976. They moved to Havre, in 1978. Their second son, Lee, was born in 1980. Vicki and Rick were later divorced.

Vicki later moved to Chinook, where she worked for Ezzies Wholesale in Chinook as an office manager for more than 10 years. She met the love of her life, Woody Robertson, in 2000. They moved to Columbia Falls in 2002.

Vicki loved her cat and enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Vicki is survived by Woody Robertson of Columbia Falls; her parents, Ivan and Diane Wallgren of Deer Lodge; her brother, Terry Wallgren, and his wife, Mary, currently living in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and nephew, Brett, in Bozeman; two sons, Cory Matkin with wife, Holly, and grandsons, Michael, Ryan and Wyatt, and Lee Matkin with wife, Jennifer, and granddaughter, April, all of Havre.

Funeral services for Vicki will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel, with Vicar Mark Langhoff of the St. John Lutheran Church in Deer Lodge. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Road, Suite 105, Missoula, MT 59808.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Vicki's family.