Jesusita Matta

Jesusita N. Matta, 97, otherwise known to friends and family as Chuy, passed away on Friday September 13, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband Ben N. Matta. Chuy dedicated her life to making a better community for Pecos, Texas. She cofounded and operated Bens Spanish Inn, a restaurant widely known for its Mexican food and friendly service.
Chuy was blessed with six children: Ben, Jr. of Las Cruces, New Mexico Louis Juanita of Pecos, Texas Raymond deceased Gloria of Fort Stockton, Texas Jerry of Pecos, Texas Hilda Martin Kershman of Spring, Texas and Mary Henry Hollopeter of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
She is survived by 12 grandchildren Steven, Michael, Catherine, Jonathan deceased, Bethany, Christina, Brigitte Matta, William, Travis, Carissa Hollopeter, Christopher and Amber Kershman, and 13 greatgrandchildren.
She was well known as a community volunteer in the Womens Chamber of Commerce, the Hospital Auxiliary, the school PTA, and parent sponsor of school extracurricular activities. Chuy was adamantly opposed to segregation in the work place, social life, and public education. We remember the days as young children, Mom would have us give up our beds for a night or two, because various attorneys would be staying over using our home for meetings. As young children, we did not understand the impact of what these meetings would accomplish in history to come however, as college students we became aware that in our living room these visitors were talking oral testimonies that would become the basis of a successful lawsuit to end the application of separate but equal doctrine in Texas.
Ever a proponent of education, she insisted and encouraged her children to get as much formal education as possible. Her efforts produced one PhD, 2 Masters degrees, several Bachelors degrees, and a licensed realtor.
Chuy was a devout Catholic. She was very proud of once being elected Reina Del 16 de September. She was active in numerous church activities for many years. She was a Guadalupana, member of the Altar Society, and Catechism Teacher. More importantly, a cofounder of Santa Rosa Catholic School.
Rosary will be held Monday, September 16, 2013, at 7:00pm at Pecos Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM on September 17, 2013 at Santa Rosa Catholic Church with interment at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery. Pecos Funeral Home is entrusted with the services.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pecos Senior Citizens Center in her name.

Visitation

Pecos Funeral Home
607 W. 3rd
Pecos, TX  79772
Monday, September 16, 2013
7:30PM

Service

Church

Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church
620 E. 4th
Pecos, TX  79772
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Mount Evergreen Cemetery
Pecos, TX  79772

Memorial Contributions

119 S. Cedar St
Pecos, TX  79772