Lillian Matus

Lillian Frances (Soukup) Matus, age 92, of West, passed away early Monday morning, May 12, 2025 at West Rest Haven.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Lillian was born on October 5, 1932, in the small community of Tokio, the daughter of Joe and Mary (Kracmer) Soukup. Lillian attended schools in Tokio, Denton Hill, and Abbott. On August 8, 1949, Lillian was united in marriage to Raymond R. Matus in West. Together, they built a life infused with love, laughter, and community spirit. Lillian was a lifelong and devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, where she engaged in various community activities and was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court #829. Her commitment to service extended to the SPJST Lodge #54, where she also was manager of Lone Star Hall along with her husband for 25 years, as well as volunteering for the West Ambulance Service for many years. She was a proud founding member of Sokol West, where she served as secretary and ran the funnel cake booth at Westfest for many years. Lillian will be lovingly remembered for her delicious homemade pickles, kolaches and rosettes. Lillian was a bookkeeper and co-owner of Westex Welding, working alongside her husband Raymond for over 50 years. Her career also included positions at Woolworth's in Hillsboro, SWS Manufacturing, Wolf Manufacturing, and Lorch's Manufacturing. Lillian was a talented seamstress often sewing for her children and making custom-made garments for others, including first communion and wedding dresses. Lillian had a passion for gardening, tending to her flowers with the same love and care she gave to her family. She cherished moments spent canning, creating Rice Krispie treats, traveling, and enjoying her favorite television shows, including Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right.

Lillian is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jimmy Matus and his wife Gail; brothers, Louis, George, Joe, Johnnie, and Alfons Soukup; and sisters, Katie Kaska, Hattie Kaska, Rosie Knapek, and Mary Neckar.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 75 years, Raymond R. Matus of West; her children, Kathy Matus of West, Cindy Matus of West, and Thomas Matus and wife RuthAnn of Waco; grandchildren, Jennifer Kalina-Walker and husband Brian, Dustin Matus and wife Becca, Whitney Dudik and husband Martin, Emily McGraw and husband Justin, Taylor McKinley and husband T.J.; great grandchildren, Alana Machac, Hudson Matus, Aurora Matus, Lillian Dudik, Audrey Dudik, Cassidy Dudik, Jacob Dudik, Henry Dudik, Addison Mairs, Amelia McGraw, Jace McGraw, Jax McKinley, and Alex McKinley; a brother, Steve Soukup and wife Frances; a brother-in-law, Herman Matus; sisters-in-law, Helen Matus and Eileen Soukup; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers are Michael Matus, Wesley Matus, Ryan Kaska, Patrick Matus, Tim Soukup, and Ronnie Soukup. Honorary pallbearers are employees of Westex Welding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Volunteer Ambulance Association, Sokol West or to the charity of your choice.