Ethel Elaine Key Matulik, lovingly known as “MeMa,” “Bebe," and "Biggie” to those who held her closest, was born on September 17, 1927, in Port Lavaca, Texas, to the late Robert E. Key and Myrtle Ann Key (Cope). She passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, stepping into her eternal home with Jesus at the remarkable age of 98. Her life was a quiet but radiant testament to faith, family, and an unshakeable love for the Lord.
A Christian woman and longtime member of First Assembly of God Church in Port Lavaca, New Beginnings Assembly of God Church, and later Six Mile Assembly of God, Ethel sang in the choir and served faithfully for many years as a Sunday school teacher for preschool children. She believed deeply in the power of prayer, and her well-worn Bible — with scriptures underlined on nearly every page — reflected a faith she lived every day.
Ethel graduated from Port Lavaca High School in 1944.
She was married to her beloved husband, Tommy Matulik, until his passing in 1983. Together, they built not only a life filled with love, but also a successful family business. Ethel played an integral role in operating Evelyn's Fish Market, where she and Tommy managed numerous shrimp boats and a seafood canning and distribution center that supplied restaurants across the region. Her dedication and work ethic helped establish a lasting legacy for her family.
Ethel loved the beach and delighted in boats, seashells, starfish, seahorses, butterflies, and a good, strong cup of coffee. She was always dressed beautifully, "to the nines" without exception, carrying herself with an elegance and dignity that left a lasting impression wherever she went. Even in her later years, she never let go of that graceful style she so naturally embodied.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Matulik (1983); her daughter, Carole Elaine LaQuay (2017); her twin sister, Esther Key Boyd (2017); her siblings Marjorie "Marnie" Yeats, Evelyne Bonnet, Leroy Key, Stanley Key, Hampton Key, Osie "Teenie" Combs, and Gladys Hudson; her nephew Arthur Key; and her niece Gale Austin.
She is survived by her grandson, Johnnie Brent La Quay of Lake Jackson; her granddaughter, Dawn Michelle La Quay (Kristian) of Dallas; three great-grandchildren, J.J. Avila, Journey Murray, and Jacob Murray; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family members.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00–10:45 a.m. at Rosewood Funeral Home in Victoria, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. A brief graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Green Lawn Gardens in Port Lavaca.
Serving as pallbearers will be Steven Boyd of Palacios, Randy Key Boyd of Victoria, Kent Boyd of Katy, Jody Boyd of Waller, Jason Boyd of Port Lavaca, and Roger Blevins of Victoria.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help defray the funeral expenses would be greatly appreciated. See Brent or Diane for details.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
