Vivian Lee Matthiesen

Vivian Lee Matthiesen of Arcadia, MO entered the kingdom of Heaven on Monday, January 24, 2022 at the age of 96 years, 4 months, and 4 days. She was born September 20, 1925 in Kansas City, MO to the late Emmett and Beulah (Musselman) Fisher. On November 8, 1952 Vivian was united in marriage to Edward Chris Matthiesen who preceded her in rest on February 22, 1999. To this marriage four children were born, Randall Lee Matthiesen and wife Margie of Arcadia, MO, Rick Alan Matthiesen of Highland, IL, Christine Littrell and husband Randy of Deer, AR, and Dee Ann Stoelting and husband Danny of Linn Creek, MO, all of whom survive. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Jaime, Brian, Kimberly, Mark, Kelly, and Dana; 23 great-grandchildren, a brother James Richard Fisher and wife Carol of Alexandra, VA, and many more loving family members, church family members, and friends. Vivian is preceded in rest by her parents, her husband Edward, a brother Billie Fisher and wife Alice. After graduating from Central High School in Kansas City, MO Vivian went on to attain an Associate Degree from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO. In addition to her Associate’s Degree, she earned six hours towards a Bachelor’s Degree in music and six hours in Directing at the Mormon Tabernacle Temple in Independence, MO. Her passion for music started at a young age when she played in the concert band and marching band while in high school, and while in college she was a member of the college choir. Vivian was also the lead singer (and carried the pitch pipe) in the Ladies Quartet while at SWBC and traveled each week, all around Missouri with the President of the college to advertise the college. The Ladies Quartet was also invited to sing on the WHB radio station out of Kansas City. After college she was the Director of Music for a number of churches, leading congregational singing, training the children, youth, and adult choirs, forming different groups, trios, and quartets. Vivian loved the Lord and began teaching Sunday School at the age of 14 and taught the youngest group; she felt like she learned more than her students because she was a young convert, but truly enjoyed working with the children. She taught most every year of her life, teaching children, youth, and adults until reaching her mid-eighties when she decided to step down from her teaching roles. While at SWBC she was required to take courses in the Old Testament and New Testament and the history of religion. These courses not only taught her the history of many religions, but reinforced the belief that Christianity is a way of life, not a religion. As a young woman Vivian worked at the North American Bomber Plant in Kansas City, KS, the Baptist Bookstore in Kansas City, MO, and the Sears and Roebuck in Kansas City, MO to help with her college expenses. A few years later she worked for Westinghouse in Kansas City, MO and Safeway Stores main office. After marriage and having children, she became an educational secretary at the Eureka Springs Public School in Arkansas where she was the secretary to the Superintendent for 14 years; that was such an extremely rewarding job for her because she was able to influence, in a small way, many young lives. Vivian was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ironton and attended the Ironton First Church of the Nazarene. She was a loved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 beginning at 1:00 pm from the Cole Family Chapel. Visitation for Vivian will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 beginning at 11:00 am from the Cole Family Chapel. Interment will follow the services in the Arcadia Valley Memorial Park. Reverend Jon Gerling will be officiating the services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either the Ironton First Church of the Nazarene or to Frederick Terrace Apartments in Arcadia.

Vivian Lee Matthiesen

September 20, 1925 - January 24, 2022