Jeanne Mattson

Jeanne Ursenbach Mattson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and lifelong educator, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the age of 83 in Nampa, Idaho. Her spiritual flame continues to burn brightly, illuminating the countless lives she touched with her unwavering love, kindness, and grace.

Born and raised in California, Jeanne met her loving husband, Gale, and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple on March 31, 1966. As Gale pursued his education in social work, Jeanne followed him to Logan, Utah, where their first daughter was born. His career then took them to Northern Idaho, where three more children joined their family. They eventually settled in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Jeanne and Gale spent most of their married life raising their four children.

In 2018, Jeanne and Gale moved to Nampa, Idaho, to be closer to family. It was in Nampa that Jeanne lived out the remainder of her life, surrounded by the family she cherished.

A dedicated stay-at-home mother for many years, Jeanne devoted herself to her children’s upbringing before pursuing her passion for teaching kindergarten, a role she cherished until her retirement in 2003. An avid reader, Jeanne instilled a love for literature in her children and grandchildren, often delighting them with story time.

Jeanne was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicating her time to service, humanitarian projects, and genealogy research. Journaling was another cherished hobby that allowed her to reflect on her experiences and the many memories she created with her family.

In addition to her teaching duties, Jeanne shared her musical talents by teaching piano lessons to countless children in her community, taking great pride in watching her students develop their skills and confidence. Her perfect, consistent hairstyle was just one of the many ways she brought order and beauty to her everyday life.

An adventurous spirit, Jeanne embraced outdoor activities like camping and four-wheeling, and she made sure to plan special trips for her grandchildren when they turned 10 years old. She was always up for a new experience and found joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Known for her unwavering positivity, Jeanne had a remarkable ability to see the best in people and bring out their strengths. She was a beloved matriarch, guiding her family with wisdom, kindness, and a competitive spirit in family card games, where she always aimed to win.

Despite the physical challenges posed by her multiple sclerosis illness, Jeanne’s spiritual flame never wavered. The memories she created with her husband, children, grandchildren, family, church members, and friends will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Jeanne’s advice to each of us would be to treat every day as a gift, let kindness and grace prevail regardless of the situation, and never miss an opportunity to tell our loved ones how much we treasure them. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on, a testament to the enduring power of a life lived with purpose and devotion.

Jeanne is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gale; her four children, Catherine Weber (ID), Gerald Mattson (UT), Laura Atkinson (KY), Eric Mattson (AK); 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, and four younger sisters, Patricia, Lynne, Anne, and Cynthia. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Alice Ursenbach, and an older brother, Young Grant. She will be deeply missed, but her spiritual flame will continue to illuminate the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A viewing will begin at 11:00 am with the Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 pm, Friday, March 7, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11288 W Roosevelt Ave Nampa, ID. Graveside will conclude at Kohlerlawn Cemetery.