Katherine "Kathy" Ann Matilainen

Katherine (Kathy) Ann Matilainen who passed away peacefully on October 28th, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loved ones and her fur babies. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday November 7th at 10 am at the Chuckwagon Church with Pastor Al Wilson officiating. There will be a carry-in luncheon to follow, and her family has asked that you wear red in remembrance. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com for the family. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kathy was born on October 13th, 1947, to Ivan and Lillie (Woche) Bacon in Valentine, Nebraska where she grew up and spent all of her childhood and teen years. She then moved to the Scottsbluff area around 1969, where she attended college at Western Nebraska Community College, graduating with her Associates of Science degree and raising her five children. She spent many years cleaning for clients and friends in their homes.

Kathy met the love of her life and best friend Rodney Matilainen in 1992, and they were married on June 5th, 1994, and made their home in Scottsbluff, NE.

Kathy was an avid member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 50 years and would have celebrated her 51st sobriety birthday on November 1st. Throughout her many years in AA she took solace in being a sponsor, counselor and friend to many!

Kathy took joy in many things throughout her life including her love for her doll house and collection of dolls, painting ceramics with family and friends and garage selling.

One of her favorite past times was the many hours spent completing puzzles with her best friend and husband Rodney. She highly enjoyed her visits from family and friends near and far and was always known for reaching out to lend a listening ear to someone in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ivan and Lillie (Woche) Bacon and her twin brother Kenneth Bacon, sisters Leonna Smith and Shirley Overman and brothers Raymond David Larry James and Gerald Bacon.

Survivors include her husband Rodney Matilainen of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, her children Valrey Keller of Gering, Nebraska, Ivan (Brenda) Keller and Travis (Lori) Keller of Rapid City, South Dakota, Crissy (Scott) Free of Apopka, Florida, and Miranda (Patrick) Keller-Cole of Mitchell, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild with one on the way and numerous cherished nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.