Ann Marie Matesen

Ann Marie Murdoch Matesen, 84, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, in Logan, Utah. She was born December 24, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Brigham Dallas Murdoch and Winona Lee Murdoch.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Evan Matesen; her parents, Brigham Dallas Murdoch and Winona Lee Murdoch; Agnes Simonson Murdoch; and her siblings Ronald Lee Murdoch, Helen Winona Murdoch Hall, Dallas Earl Murdoch (Joan Hale Murdoch), Ruth Lorraine Murdoch Schultz (Alan Schultz), and Marie Lou Murdoch.

Ann is lovingly remembered by her children, Thomas Allan Matesen and Michele Marie Shaw (David Shaw); her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and her siblings Luann Dodds (Ross Dodds), Thomas Ray Murdoch (Sharon Lee Murdoch), John Brigham Murdoch (Marie Murdoch), and Wayne Versey.

Ann married her beloved husband, Allan Evan Matesen, in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on June 16, 1962. Their marriage was rooted in faith and devotion. Though Allan preceded her in death, their family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited once again.

From her early twenties onward, Ann endured fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Despite ongoing health challenges, she continued forward with determination, caring for her children and building a life centered on love, faith, and resilience. Her life was marked not by ease, but by perseverance.

Ann was employed as a secretary, a purchasing agent, she did medical information data entry from home. She did interviews for the Cache Senior Citizens Memory Study and her last job was as a Receiving Clerk for Pepperidge Farms.

She had a remarkable talent for cake decorating and made many beautiful wedding cakes, helping to support her family with her creativity and skill. In 1976, while living in Rexburg, Idaho, the collapse of the Teton Dam flooded her home. She lost her cake decorating equipment and nearly everything she owned. She and her children had to start over. After that devastating loss, she stepped away from making wedding cakes — but her strength in rebuilding her life became part of her legacy.

Ann also loved embroidery, especially stitching pillowcases that she lovingly gave as Christmas and wedding gifts. Her handmade pieces were quiet expressions of care that will be treasured for generations.

In 1996, she spent two weeks in Guatemala, an experience that meant a great deal to her. Despite her health struggles, she was able to visit the ruins of Tikal — something made possible through the help and support of family there. She was deeply grateful for that opportunity and cherished the culture and strong sense of family she experienced.

She loved to read, especially mystery novels, and found enjoyment and escape within their pages.

Ann will be remembered for her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering perseverance. Through loss, illness, and hardship, she continued forward with grace. Her legacy is one of endurance, faith, and deep love for her family.

A graveside service will be held on March 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Grant Cemetery, 154 N 3300 E, Rigby, Idaho 83442. A luncheon will follow at the Grant Church, 3431 E 100 N, Rigby, Idaho 83442.