Virginia “Ginger” Matich, a woman whose vibrant spirit and warm smile touched the lives of all who knew her, passed away on Friday, March 21st at her Erie, Colorado home. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her two children, Crystal and Kenneth and her beloved dog Bonnie.

Ginger grew up in Tulelake, CA with her 2 sisters, Patricia, Linda, and brother Mason. Her parents Bill and Marcella Haynes, lived in Tulelake their entire lives, and raised Ginger with so much love, joy, fun and compassion.

Ginger met the love of her life, Steve Matich, at Chico State and the two of them lived in Santa Rosa, CA where they raised their two children, Crystal and Kenneth, and lived there for close to 40 years. Ginger was a Special Education teacher and had recently retired, after teaching for over 35+ years! Teaching, her friends where she taught, and the students were her passion - she LOVED her job, so rare!

In April of 2021, Ginger lost her husband, our father, Steve Matich. They were married for 42 years and were the perfect example of true love. Losing the love of her life left a huge hole in our mom’s heart and we know they are sipping on 7 and 7s in a lazy river pool somewhere laughing and dancing to some blues tunes.

Ginger’s love for life was deeply intertwined with her love for the people in it, and she cultivated those relationships with a generous heart. She spent most of her time these past few years playing with her wild and beautiful grandsons; Cashton, Colby and Cade. Family dinners, as she LOVED to cook, with her kids and their amazing partners, Ally and Curtis. Hikes, plays with her sister in law Danitsa, trips to see friends, and nonstop throwing of the frisbee to her spunky dog, Bonnie.

Our mom was a truly wonderful woman who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness and warmth. Her unwavering love and support were the cornerstones of our family, and her infectious laughter filled our home with joy. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, offering a comforting presence and a listening ear without judgment. Her wisdom and guidance shaped us into the people we are today, and her memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Ginger’s ashes will be buried in Colorado next to her husband overlooking the mountains & Northern California; a place where her and Steve and their two kids spent many years boating at Whiskeytown Lake, CA and many family memories in Tulelake, CA.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Ginger Matich, please donate to any of the following foundations: The Breast Cancer Fundraiser, the Democratic Party or Council for Exceptional Children.

We love you more Mom. - Crystal & Kenneth

Sports fanatic - Go Niners! Go Giants!
Lover of Fleetwood Mac & music
PROUD Democrat
Never missed a “60 minutes”
Horrible thrower of baseballs (she never gave up!)
Avid reader of all books and newspapers
Special Education teacher and mentor
Initiator of dance parties and all fun
Honker Queen
Amazing cook and LOVED to cook
Loved to travel
Best style
Avid kayaker and outdoors lover
Theme party planner
Green thumb - lover of plants
MarMar extraordinaire [Cashton, Colby, and Cade’s grandma]
Best friend to so many
Wonderful wife to her best friend, Steve Matich
The best mom there ever is
Kind hearted and loving mother in law to Curtis and Ally
Overall best mom, MarMar and wife
Achievements:
Bachelors from Chico State where she met the love of her life, Steve
6 years of college - 3 degrees and 2 certificates
Special Education teaching credential
Retired teacher of 35 + years
Married for 42 years
Her children, Kenneth and Crystal