Ada M. Nolan

Ada Mildred (Campbell) Matras Nolan, 94, passed away on November 18, 2014, in Austin, Texas. She was born on March 10, 1920 to William and Mable Campbell in Walnut Springs, Texas. Later Ada moved to Dallas, Texas then to Rockwall, Texas, where she became a member of the high school tennis team.

After graduation, Ada worked briefly for Sears Roebuck before she became a welder at the North American Aviation, during War World II, welding the cowl structure of the T-6 “Texan.”

In 1943, Ada met and married her sailor, John Matras. After years of being stationed at different locations, they moved to Norfolk, VA., and then settled to Granite City, IL for 35 years.

After John’s passing, Ada married Robert W. Nolan in 1996 and then moved to Oceanside, CA. Ada returned to Texas where she spent her final two years.

Ada was a loving wife and mother to her two daughters, and son who she called her “J birds.” She supplied support, love, encouragement, and taught her children life-long values.

For 63 years, Ada was member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association. She was also a plank owner of St. Louis Unit 267, unit president and regional president. For many years, she shared editorship and production of the newsletter for FRA Branch and Unit 267. Her hobbies were playing Scrabble and everyone recognized her as a fierce Scrabble shark. Ada enjoyed traveling in her RV and was an avid fisherman. She participated in her children’s activities, including the Granite City High Band Parents as a uniform mom.

Ada is preceded in death by her first husband John Matras, and her second Robert W. Nolan; parents, William Charles Campbell and Mable (Reed) Campbell, two brothers, William Charles Campbell II, and Elmer Thomas Campbell.

She is survived by her daughter Dr. Judy Matras Glover of Marlton, NJ; son John Lynn Matras (Dr. Mary Ann Matras) of Tannersville, PA.; daughter Jayne Matras Uchiyama R.D. (Dr. Robert Uchiyama) of Austin, Texas; granddaughters Jennifer Alyn Glover, Dr. Polly Anne Glover, Amanda Ann Perry (Stephen M. Perry), Carolynn Ann Matras, Katherine Ann Meyer (Robert J. Meyer), Dr. Merry Elizabeth Uchiyama, Dr. Robin Cathleen Uchiyama; grandson John Calvin Uchiyama; and great grandson Ian L.C. Perry.

Ada will be laid to rest with her husband, John Matras at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, IL. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in honor of Ada to the United Service Organization at www.uso.org/donate.