Mattie was a perfect combination of living life to its fullest, persevering through incredible adversity, and doing her best everyday to positively impact the lives of those around her. To have known her is to have been touched by someone who genuinely wanted to share the best of life's gifts with anyone and everyone around her. She not only loved her people, but also her people's people.

Being born into the Amish, Mattie eventually sought something different; something more. After leaving the community, she graduated high school in Battle Lake, MN. Wanting to improve her abilities and to build a better legacy for her future family she did not stop there. While raising her children and working multiple jobs, she earned her associates degree in nursing from St Mary's in Minneapolis. She would later obtain a BS in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

Nursing is the perfect fit for someone who wanted to care for the sick and the disabled, and she gave further integrity to the match when she developed a passion for patient advocacy, challenging herself and the people around her to remember the human side of health services, particularly when those afflicted by disease or injury cannot advocate for themselves.

Mattie's drive to provide for others led her to be a mother who would stop at nothing to give her children every opportunity in life, including many that she did not have herself. This eventually extended to everyone in her extended family, including family ties bonded through marriage. She always felt that everyone deserved the opportunity to be loved and provided for.

When given the opportunity to help others who came into the world in similar circumstances to her own, Mattie found a new purpose. Rekindling relationships from her times in the Amish, and helping others find success outside of the community fueled much of her adult life. Indeed so many at one point or another found support when they reached out to her in their transition, whether it was help finding work, adjusting to life outside of the Amish, or for a place to rest their head for a time.

In her later years Mattie was able to fulfill a lifelong dream; to settle down with a partner and travel the country together. Her adventures with Quentin over the past couple of years were certainly much of her bucket list. To travel across this beautiful country seeing so much family and making new friends; giving all of her loved ones some last memories to cherish.

Mattie's unending love for those who were important to her is rivaled only by her acceptance of every living soul and her incredible sense of humor. She found joy and gave compassion in every relationship she made. Her presence and influence will be sorely missed by all that had the pleasure of calling her friend or family.

Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, Jun. 04, 2022 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hope Community Church
9623 162nd St W
Lakeville, MN 55044

Family

  • Survived By
  • Quentin Pratt, Husband
  • Kevin Gibson, Son
  • Bren Gibson, Son
  • Michael Johnson, Son
  • Katie Mae Girod, Sister
  • Mary Susan Yoder, Sister
  • Raymond Joseph Yoder, Brother
  • Daniel Wayne Yoder, Brother
  • Barbara Ellen Yoder, Sister
  • Dorothy Marie Mast, Sister
  • David Perry Yoder, Brother
  • Ida Irene Wagler, Sister
  • Levi Devon Yoder, Brother
  • John Henry Yoder, Brother
  • Preceded in Death By
  • David L Yoder, Father
  • Mary M Mast, Mother

Life Story Info

Author

Bren Gibson

Post Date

May 18, 2022

Personal Info

Born

Medford, Wisconsin, United States

Died

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Cause of Death

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Age

60

Gender

Female

Religion and Beliefs

Amish

Occupation

Nursing

Worked For

  • Department of Veteran's Affairs VA Hospital - Minneapolis

Education

  • High School
    Battle Lake
  • Associate's
    St Mary's
  • Bachelor's
    University Of Phoenix Online Campus
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Guestbook

Mattie we will miss you

Linda Borntreger , Eagle Bend , MN, US Jun 02, 2022

I wanted to thank Mattie for inspiring me toward the medical field. Her passion for her job was appropriately intense and evident, as was her love for life and family.

You will be missed.

Karen McConnell May 30, 2022

I met Mattie RN in 2000 on ward 3F at Minneapolis VA and she loved to care for Veterans and shared her love and experience with me which made me a better RN. What a sweetheart, Quintin and family may her smiles and memories of laughter bring you Peace. Be Blessed. Trudy Harpole

Trudy Harpole , Eagan, MN, US May 27, 2022

Please accept my deepest condolences over the loss of Mattie! She has made a difference in so many lives. May the Almighty God grant you all the the comfort that you need to go through this time!

-Beatrice Kamara

Beatrice Kamara , Minneapolis, MN, US May 24, 2022

I don't even know where to begin. My Quentin and Mattie team! I've missed you both tremendously since leaving the VA. When I think back I always remember us laughing together. No matter the situation/staffing we always conquered it! When I think of you mattie I will always think of true innocence, most of us lose it as we age but not you. You were so sweet and pure. My life was always better with you in it! I will never forget you friend, I'll miss you till we meet again girl! 💔

Jennifer Coppin May 23, 2022

Many prayers to family and friends and hugs of love

Rochell Seward , Las Vegas, NV, US May 23, 2022

Just a short note to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family and to let you know we are thinking of you.

Mattie was well liked by all her coworkers. Mattie was a great nurse always ready and willing to advocate for the patients. Just last month we had talked the great length on the phone about retirement how happy she was to be able to travel with her husband and be the part with her son engagement. She will be greatly missed and will always be in our hearts 💕 and memories.

Huong Pham , Apollo Beach , FL, US May 22, 2022

Sorry for your loss, My prayers are with you and your family. Mattie was wonderful nurse and soul to everyone she meets. Heaven Gain A Angel 😇. You will truly missed.

Georgia Hudson Bell , Minneapolis , MN, US May 22, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss, Quentin and all the children, and all the siblings and family, friends and loved ones! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!! My God give you all peace and comfort during this very difficult time of pain and grief!! Love and prayers!

Savilla , Blair, WI, US May 21, 2022

It was always a pleasure to work with Mattie when I float to 4J. Mattie became a good I’m truly going to miss her. I’m am sorry for loss Quentin and Mattie boy’s my prayers are with you all

Becky Rhodes , 331 Hugo St NE, MN, US May 21, 2022

Mattie was caring and not judgemental of others. Easy-going ,thoughtful of others at work especially. She'll be missed

Sue Borus , bloomington , MN, US May 20, 2022

So sorry for your loss. My rayets and thoughts are with you snd your family.

Karen Nesbitt , Chaska, MN, US May 20, 2022

Deepest sympathies Quentin to you and your family. Prayers and hugs.

Barb Galle , Scandia, MN, US May 20, 2022

Mattie gave so much to all she met. When she was working she gave her all to the veterans who have served. When she was in charge, I knew the unit was in good hands. I've stayed in touch with Mattie after my retirement. She is/ was a blessing to all who met her. Quintin your in my thoughts and prayers as well as she was your everything. Rest Mattie

Julie Lindelien , Chanhassen , MN, US May 20, 2022

Timeline