Obituary: Shirley May (Cheadle) Mattson, 91, The Dalles

Shirley May (Cheadle) Mattson, 91, a long-time resident of The Dalles, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on December 11th, 2025.

She was born on February 20th, 1934, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, to Alphonso Cheadle and Ruby (Forgue)

Cheadle, the youngest of five children and the only girl.

She moved from Mt. Clemens, Michigan, to The Dalles, Oregon, with her family in the late 1940’s. She attended St. Mary’s Academy and The Dalles High School. After High School, her first job was as a telephone operator with Pacific Northwest Bell. She later worked at Woolworth’s Department Store, Westgate Market, and Newberry’s Department Store.

She married Duane Ivan Mattson on July 17th, 1960, in Goldendale, Washington.

Shirley dedicated her life to her family as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and homemaker.

She was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and Wounded Warrior Project.

Her hobbies were gardening, knitting, bird watching, especially hummingbirds, making candy for the holidays, bingo, and playing slot machines. Her greatest pleasure was seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren growing up. Her favorite travel memories were to Carmel, California, and multiple trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Reno. She also loved trips to the Oregon Coast.

She is survived by her stepsons, Kimm (Lois) Scarberry, John Scarberry, and daughters Tina Moulden, Cindy Walker, and Alesia (Mike) O’Brien. Seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, her friend of 72 years, Ruth Radcliff, and “her” cat, Dutch.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Duane, her brothers and their spouses, Tom (Helen), Richard (Wynne), David (Sharon), and Jerry (Arlene) Cheadle, and grandsons, Joseph and Kimm, Jr. Scarberry.

With so much gratitude, the family wishes to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at Providence Hospice of the Gorge.

Donations may be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge by mail to 6410 NE Halsey Street, Suite 300, Portland, Oregon, 97213 or by phone, 541-732-6532.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Spooky’s on Saturday, March 28 th at 5:30 p.m.