Kenneth Ralph Matheson

The hearts of the Matheson family are heavy as we share the passing of our beloved “Papa”. Kenny passed away from natural causes peacefully with his loving family by his side on May 17th, 2025 at the age of 90.

Kenneth Ralph Matheson was born on December 27th, 1935 to Alf and Helen Matheson of Conrad, MT. Kenny was the 4th child of Alf and Helen with 3 older sisters, Ruby, Betty, Edith, with his younger brother Harvey bringing up the tail. He was an avid outdoorsman and absolutely loved being a farmer. He met the love of his life Hilda when she came up to Montana with her family from Alabama. When the winters became too harsh, her family decided to move back to Alabama. It was at that time Kenny knew he couldn’t let her go so he proposed and they were married on June 6th, 1954. They were married just shy of 70 years. After they wed Kenny and Hilda spent 6 months in Alabama with her family. When they returned to Montana they moved out to the farm east of Conrad where they later built their home and raised Stephen, Karen, Brian, Derek, and Sheri.

Kenny loved life on the farm. He loved all aspects of it. He created many friendships east of Conrad and created a place for generations to come play, find rest, and experience unconditional love.

Kenny faced multiple health challenges throughout his life and many have said “the man had 9 lives” and this is beyond true. He was a walking miracle and God certainly had a plan for him to live a long and full life so he could inflict his sweet and gentle spirit on those he encountered.

He is survived by his sister Betty Stuart, Big Fork, MT, his brother Harvey (Amy) Matheson, and 5 children Steve (Rona) Matheson of Conrad, MT, Karen (Richard) Rouns of Helena, MT, Brian (Stacey) Matheson of Conrad, MT, Derek Matheson of Helena, MT, and Sheri (David Myre) Fowler of Conrad, MT. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and many others who he claimed as his along the years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Helen and Alf Matheson, his sisters Ruby Mocko, Edith Zimbleman, twin great granddaughters Grace and Mercy Fowler, and the love of his life, Hilda “Nin”. What comfort we have knowing she was waiting for him in heaven and the joy they are experiencing now.

Funeral services and celebration of his life will be held at Golden West Church on May 31, 2025 at 10:00 am with luncheon to follow.

He was a good and sweet man and his absence from earth will be missed beyond measure until we meet again in heaven.