Dee Ann Mattes

Dee Ann Mattes (nee’ Hurt), of Niles, Michigan began this experience called life on 07 September 1932 in Winslow, Indiana to Ermil Burns and John A Hurt. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, sister-in-law, and friend. Dee Ann ascended into the Realm of the Angels on 03 December 2025 after 93 years of living a good life. She was with her loyal caregivers Ricky and Dianna who loved her very much when she crossed over. Dee Ann was welcomed back “home” by her loving husband of fifty-two years, Charles Millhouse Mattes, who she married in Highland Park Michigan on 08 September 1959 and who passed 23 February 2012. She was welcomed back by all those brilliant souls that loved and cherished her when they were alive. Though, her family will mourn the loss of their matriarch, they rejoice at the life Grandee, as her granddaughters called her, had lived.

She is survived by her daughters, Leslie (Laurent) Boucher of Mattapoisett Massachusetts, Michelle (Robert) O’Neil of West Yarmouth Massachusetts; son Mark Millhouse Mattes of New Albany, Ohio; granddaughters Charlee (Mete Sanli) O’Neil, Haley O’Neil, Maia Mattes; her sister Leah Fisher; her sister-in-law Suzanne Coash; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington with a BA in Business in 1954 when very few women attended business school. After graduation, she headed up Perdue Memorial Union to enrich student experience at Purdue University. She was an Interior Designer throughout her life, but also a Social Worker in South Bend early on. As a Social Worker she helped many deserving people in many dangerous situations. After marriage, she spent her time as a housewife but also went into charity work.

In her 93 years, she headed many Charitable Organization in the area. Some organizations were Camp Millhouse for special needs individuals, Children’s Dispensary, Co-founded the Women’s Art League in South Bend, she was a Board Member of the Snite Museum a Notre Dame for decades, The South Bend Symphony, several Show house Charity fundraiser, The Niles Garden Club, Ladies Historical, The DAR, Kappa Kappa Kappa, and many more throughout the years. She was a server to the Arts and Humanity. She won some awards for her charitable work.

Many people didn’t know that she practiced meditation for over fifty years. She exuded God’s Loves in her daily examples. She was a Server and spread love to everyone she met. She never raised her voice and always was a calm influence on those around her. It was said of her that when we get to wherever we are striving to go spiritually, she will already be there waiting.

Come join us in celebrating this Grand Lady, from 11:30 am until time of Memorial Service at 12:00 noon Friday, December 19, 2025 in the First Presbyterian Church, 13 South Fourth Street, Niles, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Camp Millhouse, 25600 Kelly Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614 would be much appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com