Rita Betty Matzat

Rita B. Matzat, age 87, passed away on July 8, 2026, after a short stay in hospice. She was born in the small, rural town of Bockup, Germany, on September 14, 1938, to Willy and Elisabeth (Gebert) Proehl.

Life in post-war East Germany was difficult, so she was encouraged by her cousins to join them in the United States. She emigrated to Alameda, California in 1961 where she met and married Erwin L. Matzat. Erwin preceded her in death in 1992. She was also predeceased by step daughter Dagmar (Matzat) Basher in 2010.

Known for enjoying life’s simple pleasures of caring for home and family, Rita embraced her role as a wife and mother. She worked outside the home, but her focus was primarily with family including numerous pets.

Rita moved to Cary, North Carolina in 2015 to be nearer to her son and daughter-in-law. She enjoyed frequent visits with them and especially having time with their dogs who always made her smile.

She is the devoted mother of Steven Matzat (Kelly Walsh) of Cary, NC. She is also survived by her twin sister Wera Walkowski of Grabow, Germany, brother Wilfried (Karin) Proehl of Potsdam, Germany, grandchildren Jamie (Scott) Clark, Jeff Basher, and Jodi Basher all of San Diego, California, great grandchildren, dear family and friends.

Interment will occur at a later date.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Matzat family.