Elaine Mattice

Elaine M. Mattice, formerly of the Gila Valley, passed into eternity on September 18, 2025 in Gilbert, AZ at the age of 101.  Elaine was born in Glenbar, AZ to Howard & Elsie McBride and was the youngest of 12 children.  She was raised on a farm and always had chores to do along side of her siblings.  Elaine attended Pima schools and had many friends.

She met Rue Mattice in high school. They were married on February 12, 1942 and a few days later were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  Rue joined the military, and they moved to Austin, TX.  Not long after completing training, he was transferred to Fort Wayne, IN and then flew to their final destination, Dulag Leyte in the Philippines.  

Elaine moved back to Arizona to attend Gila Junior College (Eastern Arizona College today).  Rue lost his life in a heroic accident shortly after the war ended.  Elaine then moved to Phoenix to attend Arizona State University (ASU).  She started  working  for Valley National Bank (Chase Bank today), in 1949.  She worked as a purchasing office for all of the branches in Arizona.  She then retired from banking in 1985.

Elaine enjoyed playing and watching golf, she also had a love for the arts and theatre and attended when she could.  She also enjoyed traveling with friends and was able to see many wonderful places.  On her 89th birthday, she went skydiving with her hairdresser and crew.  When asked if she'd do it again, she said, "Absolutely!"

Elaine has been a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has served in many callings.  Her most recent was serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple for 23 years and then the Phoenix Arizona Temple for 3 years.

She still drove her Black Kia Soul to keep her young and independent up until the last few months.  She lived on her own and cared for herself and her home.  She loved a good movie night out and dinner with family and friends.  She kept up with technology on her iPhone and enjoyed reading the Arizona Republic to keep her mind sharp.

A Graveside service for Elaine will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Pima Cemetery where she will be laid to eternal rest in the Mattice family plot.