Susan Matkin

Susan Matkin, 64, passed away on October 4, 2022 in Pocatello, Idaho.  

Susan Elizabeth Stewart Matkin was born a military brat in Anniston, Alabama on June 25, 1958, to her parents in LTC, John and Judy Stewart. As a military brat, Susan’s childhood was full of constant moving and new schools. She not only grew up across the country, including Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Maryland, Utah, Arizona, Washington, but also lived in Germany and graduated high school while her family was stationed in Seoul, South Korea in 1976.

After high school, Susan attended Northern Arizona University where she received her undergraduate’s degree in Speech Pathology, graduating with honors in 1980. After four years of work and fun in Arizona, Susan’s next adventure began when she was awarded a scholarship at Idaho State University to complete her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. Susan worked for several different school districts early on but spent the majority of her career working for District 25 in Pocatello, where she would later retire in 2016, after working 34 years as speech therapist. Susan’s work as a speech therapist was never unnoticed; especially by former students and parents of students, whom she had worked with over the years. It was not uncommon for someone to randomly stop her in a store to thank her for helping them or their children, even if it had been over 20 years ago.

It was during Susan’s time at ISU that she met the love of her life, John Matkin, whom she later married in 1982. In 1991, their beloved son Samuel was born, joining Brandon, his step brother. Brandon added his beautiful wife, Jamie, and three incredible grandkids to the mix, Bailey, Kade, and Caysea.

Years after Susan had first moved to Pocatello, both her parents, one of her brothers, Chuck, his son Hunter, and his now ex-wife Maggie, all migrated from Phoenix, Arizona to be close together in Pocatello. Since their move, Susan was able to spend the last 9 years enjoying more time with her family, especially her mother, who she was very close to, frequently going to movies together and debating on the validity of FOX news. Susan’s youngest brother, Andrew and his wife Pam still live in Phoenix Arizona but were able to make it to Pocatello and be there for her the night before she passed.

Susan was part of many different organizations and charities, both during her career, and after she retired. She was a committee member for the Make a Wish Foundation; she volunteered her time after work to walk dogs at the animal shelter and was a union representative for District 25 for many years.

Both Susan and John have been long time members and donors for the Bengal Foundation as well as the Bengal Alumni Association. They are both co-founders of a now almost three-decade tradition with lif-long friends enjoying ISU football called, “The East Side Tailgaters.” They both had long enjoyed the amazing memories at the games with all of their friends.

Susan’s ambition and energy made the rest of us feel lazy. It wasn’t uncommon for her to go all day without stopping, not that she ever wanted to. Even in retirement she would wake up, walk a few miles with her friends and her sweet puppy Pickles, come back home to do some yard work, go to the gym, go and visit her mother and father, come back home, clean, cook dinner, and finally wind down with a glass or two of wine. But that’s who she was, always on the move, and she loved every minute of it.

Susan was a self-proclaimed extroverted-introvert. As much as she was the life of the party, she very much so enjoyed her alone time. It was a well known fact with family and friends that you never showed up before she told you to, and if you decided to show up without letting her know, you must do so at your own risk, and be prepared for a stern talking-to. Even if you made her mad by showing up uninvited, she’d still find a place for you to sleep and some food to fill your belly.

There was one person in Susan’s life who could show up unannounced, her son Samuel. Susan and Sam were always very close, and as a mother, there is no comparison to just how great she really was. They shared a special bond with their deep philosophical conversations, their dry humor, and enormous love for each other. She has always been and will always be, her son’s best friend and hero.

Susan and John Matkin celebrated 40 years of an unforgettable, beautiful, loving marriage together on June 12, 2022. They were blessed with 6 years of being retired together, going on cruises, camping trips, watching their grandkids race dirt bikes, taco Tuesdays at the Mason Jar and enjoying each other’s company every day.

Our family would like to give special thanks to Heritage Home Health and Hospice for making Susan’s final time with us pain free, so she could enjoy it with her family.

And a last special thanks to our amazing family and our friends who we consider family.

Susan is survived by her parents, her two brothers, her two sons and her husband.

“There isn’t anyone I know whose life has not been touched by cancer in some way. So, if you feel compelled to make any kind of gesture to me, don’t send flowers, donate to whatever cause is near to your heart.” – Susan Matkin

A celebration of life for Susan will be announced at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.