Obituary
Cathie Locke VanMatre, 59, died at her home in Columbia on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.
She was born in Mexico on June 17, 1950. On May 27, 1972 she married Steven W. VanMatre in Mexico. In addition to her husband Steve, she is survived by a son Brennan VanMatre and his wife Amanda, their son Kyler Locke VanMatre, a daughter Brielle VanMatre and special friend Chris Weinreich all of Columbia. Her sister Linda Heck and husband Gordon of Hermann, Scott and Michelle Heck of Columbia, Christopher and Frances Heck and son Carson of Bocket, Germany and Matthew Heck of St. Louis. Her mother-in-law Mrs. William (Virginia) VanMatre resides in Mexico and sister-in-law Lynn VanMatre and husband Tom Popson of Chicago.
She was preceded in death by her parents E.N. “Pat” and Georgia (Pollard) Locke.
Cathie grew up in Manchester, MO, graduated from Parkway High School and Central Methodist College in Fayette. She served as a Juvenile Officer from 1972 until 1976 when she was appointed Chief Juvenile Officer and Director of Juvenile Court Services. She retired from that position in 2002. Mrs. VanMatre served on the advisory panel of Missouri Juvenile Officers and held numerous offices in the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association. She was dedicated to making a difference for all children and families. She was also a consultant for Jafra Cosmetics.
She was an active member of First Christian Church in Mexico, serving in a variety of capacities. She enjoyed traveling with her family, loved gardening and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
A private burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery with a Celebration of Life service for the public to be announced at a later date.
Memorials may be made to:
First Christian Church
307 W. Jackson
Mexico, MO 65265
OR
The Rainbow House
1611 Towne Dr.
Columbia, MO 65202
