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Sandra "Sam" Matthes

I think of death as some delightful journey that I shall take when all my tasks are done.

                                                                                                                  Ella Weeler Wilcox

 

Sandra "Sam" Matthes completed all her earthly tasks on December 9th, 2025 at the age of 86. Yet any of those who know her well will attest with certainty that Sam’s tasks will never be truly done. Her love, her wisdom, her mothering, her friendship, her advocacy… all will continue to impact countless souls. Her voice will still speak to you if you need to hear the nurturing voice of a mother. She will still hold you if you are in despair. She will encourage you to form your fist in protest to what is harmful to your spirit or to Mother Earth. She will remind you that your value is seen and that you deserve protection. She will embrace your darkness as vehemently as she embraces your light. She will help you hear the answers you seek, not from her, but from inside yourself. She will celebrate you in your living and in your dying.

 

Sam took our love with her and left all of us deeply changed by the love she gave.

 

To the end, disliking anything resembling the limelight, Sam requested no formal memorial service. Please honor her in any way that feels meaningful to you. If you would like to make a donation in her name, the family suggests hospice, climate preservation or any other organization which honors the earth and the beings who inhabit it. She will delight in whatever your choice.
Send Condolences

Condolences

Terre Kern Dec 11, 2025

Chosen mom ,Adel ,Iowa

To everyone who knew Sam knows we were so honored that she came into our lives and brought so many of us love and connections. She was so good at bringing all of us together. I love and honor all of you that I’ve met through Sam. I can feel her spirit in me and I hope you can too. I do miss her. Rest in peace Sam and I’ll see you again one day. The thought of that reunion where there will be no pain is certainly a beautiful vision. 💜💙

Louise Gordon Dec 11, 2025

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

May her memory be a blessing. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sam and Garth will live on in my memory forever.

Donna Bennett Dec 11, 2025

Friend I family member ,Kansas City ,Missouri

While I never met Sandra, I know her daughter. She stands as a living memorial to what Sandra must have been. She instilled in her daughter a respect for the environment, a love of animals and a devotion to the well being of children, particularly teens and tweens who needed to hear words of support and guidance. I know Sandra lost her husband a year ago. My faith tells me they hold each other now as they embark on their next adventure. To Sandra’s family I say celebrate the time you had with her and the life-long memories and teachings you shared.

David Bayard Dec 11, 2025

Patient, past and ever, and friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

But for Sam and her husband Garth, I would stand before the world today as a madman. The two of them guided me, through their wisdom, generous love and warmth, through the terrible Odyssey of madness into the discovery my own truth and wisdom. I mourn her loss to the world, though as her obituary suggests, she is still very present to me. I know it willforever be so, for she has instilled her wisdom and warmth in me as in so, so many others. For that there are no words of love that will reach such depths. Thank you, Sam, I love you back.

Carolyn Dec 11, 2025

Patient ,Durham ,North Carolina

Forever in my heart and so grateful for 30+ years as Sam’s patient .. and as she said upon retirement … as therapy friend. I love you Sam.