Obituary

Venus Marie Matthes was called home by her Heavenly Father on December 21, 2025. Her
55 years of life are defined by her love, strength, and unwavering faith.

Venus was born on November 23, 1970 in Elkhart, Indiana. In 1989, she graduated from
Paw Paw High School and met the love of her life, Kelly Michael Matthes, Sr. [62]. The two were married in 1991 and shared 34 years together. Venus was a devoted wife and mother, raising four children who were the center of her world: Jessica Jane Matthes [35], Kelly Michael (Devin) Matthes [33], Rhyan William (Jiwon) Matthes [26], and Kathryn Joyce Matthes [21]. She was also a proud grandmother to Lydian Marie Matthes [3] and Meadow Marion Matthes [3 mo].

Venus dedicated many years to caring for others as a CNA at the nursing home in
Bloomingdale, MI, enriching the lives of the residents and her coworkers. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999 and later surviving breast cancer in 2014, Venus faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Though illness took her mobility and independence, it never dimmed her light. She remained steadfast in her faith and continued to inspire everyone around her with her strength, kindness, and selflessness.

She will be remembered as the embodiment of true strength– choosing hope and fighting
every single day. Venus was warm, fiercely protective of her loved ones, and always put others first. Her legacy of love and perseverance will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in Venus’s honor to the National MS Society.

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:3