Marian Eileen Mattson, 93, died on April 6, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family, in rural Conception Junction, Missouri.

Marian was born on January 24, 1931, to John J. and Nora Abels Zirfas in Clyde, Missouri. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and then worked at St. Francis Hospital in medical records.  She married Clifton "Joe" Mattson on October 20, 1956, in Conception, Missouri. They were married 59 years before his death in 2016. Together they farmed and raised eight children. She was a homemaker and loved being outside. She mowed the yard, walked beans, dressed chickens, and had a huge garden every year. She loved to care for her family and play cards. She didn't care if she won, she just loved to play. Her family was her joy and she wanted them to be with her constantly. She made the best pies and fried chicken. There were always cookies and cinnamon rolls in her freezer. She spent her life caring for others and feeding them. Her door was always open and she welcomed company. Marian enjoyed the simple things in life.

Marian organized and worked the funeral dinners for St. Ann's Altar Society at St. Columba Church in Conception Junction for many years, where she was a member. She was an avid scrapbooker and had meticulous newspaper clippings documented from any local event. She also made books for all her grandkids of their hobbies and activities. Marian enjoyed sewing and embroidery. She made many quilts, dish towels, and potholders, and she patched many jeans.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Joe, sister Alfreda, brothers Lawrence, Willie, Roger, Cleo, and Jerry Zirfas; in-laws Delores Zirfas, Doris Zirfas, and Beth Leonardo; and nephew Todd Zirfas.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Marilyn (Gary) Wood of Maysville, MO: Cory, Molly (Coleman Browning); Bernard of Conception Junction, MO; Lawrence (Connie) of Conception Junction, MO: Asia (Haden Heussner), Ed McClellan, Lester Lahoda; Francis (Linda) of Conception Junction, MO: Todd (Rhonda), Renae (Jason Luke), Craig (Sierra), Madelynn, Alex; James (Sue) of Maryville, MO: Kevin, Jayme (Clinton Brady), Colton (Kerry); Erma of Columbia, MO; Joan (Jeff) Farnan of Stanberry, MO: Clinton (Sydney), Kellan (Madison), Kyler, Caden, Chase; Gary (Stacey) of Conception Junction, MO: Emily (Zach Hilsabeck), Ashley, Aubrey, and Andy; 24 great-grandchildren; sister Rita (Jerry) Schieber, sisters-in-law Monica Zirfas, Carolyn Lewis, and Alta Shineman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Mosaic Life Care Hospice, Maryville, or St. Ann's Altar Society of St. Columba Catholic Church, Conception Junction.

Parish rosary will be held April 8th at 5:30 pm at St. Columba Catholic Church in Conception Junction. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 8:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church, Conception Junction on April 9th at 10:00 am with burial at St. Columba cemetery.