Walter HenryMatus

Walter Henry Matus passed away on September 21, 2025, in Whitefish, Montana. He was born on December 12,1933 in California to Henry Matus and Marie Galileos.

Walt grew up in California where he enlisted in the Navy. He was a very proud veteran, serving during the Korean War.

He met and married Virginia Mauricio and they had one daughter, Dora Matus. They later divorced. After a move to Idaho, he met and married Cecille Finley Lefthand. They had one son, Ronald Matus. From this marriage Walter inherited six stepchildren, Juanita, Lloyd, LeRoy, Harold (Bubbins), Arnold, and Bob Irvine. They had been married for almost 50 years at the time of Cecille’s death. He also had another stepson, Leonard TwoTeeth who came into his life when Walter began a relationship with his special friend, Rhoda Couture, Leonard’s mother. He also had several brothers and sisters in California. He visited them as often as he could or called them on occasion to keep in touch.

Walt worked most of his life working and managing large orchards in Idaho and Washington. He also owned and operated a Mechanic Shop in Yakima, Washington with his son Ron. He loved traveling with Cecille to pow wows or stickgames or their favorite casino to play bingo or try to hit the big jackpot. They also enjoyed rolling through the mountains searching and panning for gold or in search of Big Foot. They always had great stories to tell.

Walt was a friend to many and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever asked or the need presented itself. He will be greatly missed by his family and his community family as well.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Cecille, son Ronald, stepchildren, Juanita, Lloyd, LeRoy, Harold, Arnold and Bob and his special friend, Rhoda.

He is survived by his daughter Dora Alverez, daughter-in-law and special care-giver Carrie Irvine and grandchildren, Robbie and Chris Matus, LD Irvine, Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, Stephanie Irvine, Carol Wenderoth, Cara Croft, Tara Irvine, Twila Irvine, Juanita Irvine, Anitra Irvine, stepson Leonard TwoTeeth and several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Per Walter’s wishes, he will be cremated. Services will be held at The Lake Funeral Home in Polson, Montana with Rosary Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. and funeral services on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be in Dayton Cemetery with a meal to follow at the Elmo Hall.