Mary Gale Watson Jones (Matulka) (Deceased), Tuscola, TX Texas

In Memory

Mary Gale Watson Jones (Matulka) - Class Of 1975

Mary Gale Watson Jones Matulka

(February 11, 1957 ~ October 17, 2026)

Mary, daughter of James Robert Watson and Kara Gale Murphy, married 1st to Harvey Duane Jones, married 2nd to Gerald R. 'Jerry' Matulka and will be buried in Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Dwight, Butler County, Nebraska.

Mary Matulka, 69 of Northborough, MA passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Visitation will be from 9-10am, Saturday, October 24th at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, Nebraska. A Rosary service will be held at 10:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church and the funeral mass will follow at 10:30am with the burial at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Dwight, Nebraska. A funeral lunch will follow the burial at the David City Auditorium.

To know Mary Gale Watson was to know a woman of extraordinary heart, resilience, and devotion. She was born on February 11, 1957, in Cleburne, Texas to James Robert Watson and Kara Gale (Murphy) Watson. Mary grew up in Tuscola, Texas, where she graduated from Jim Ned High School in 1975. She was warmly remembered by her classmates for her kindness and spirited nature.

Mary’s life was defined by love for family. As a single mother, when work became scarce in Abilene, she bravely moved her young family to Dallas, determined to give them a better future.

Shortly after moving, Mary met her soulmate, Jerry Matulka, in Richardson, Texas. Their connection was instant, deep, and enduring. They married in 1992 in Jerry’s childhood parish in Ulysses, Nebraska. They began a partnership filled with unwavering support of each other, support of family, shared purpose, and countless adventures. Together, they traveled frequently, especially cherishing their time in Italy and Switzerland, always inspiring one another to grow and live fully.

Mary worked tirelessly while earning her degrees, building a career in payroll management where she became a fierce advocate for the people she served. Her compassion extended far beyond her profession. She cared for aging family members with tenderness and later devoted herself to supporting a dear friend through a difficult battle with leukemia. During that time, Jerry cared for their five young grandchildren, a testament to the strength of their shared devotion.

Mary and Jerry’s involvement with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation brought them treasured friendships with early astronauts and their families — relationships that enriched their lives and reflected their deep appreciation for courage, exploration, and human achievement.

In between adventures, Mary also enjoyed gardening, mystery novels, vintage television shows, and, of course, a trip to the candy store. Above all, she enjoyed making special memories.

Mary fought bravely through complications following a liver transplant, passing away on October 17, 2026, with Jerry steadfastly at her hospital bedside. The love and prayers surrounding her from family and friends during those final days was a reflection of the love and care that she had poured into others throughout her life.

She leaves behind her husband, Jerry; children, Jeneva and husband Adam Joseph Flores, Marian and significant other Chris McSpadden, and Toby; and her grandchildren, Lexie and husband Adrian Orozco, Wayland, Jewel, Ashley, Brandy, Ayden, and Ellie; and cats Bobcat and Oliver. She is reunited with her parents, James and Gale; her brother, James Michael; her sister, Rebecca; and her sister-in-law, Judith.

Mary’s legacy is one of devotion, courage, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.