Obituary of Will Bernard Mattly
Our beloved Will Bernard Mattly was born on July 12, 1933 in Sonora, CA to Glenn and Jean Mattly. He had two older sisters, Maryellen (Funk) and Lois (Dunlap, deceased). When Will was a young boy, the family lived in Yerington, Nevada where Glenn worked as a dairyman. The family relocated to Oroville, CA in 1940 when the opportunity arose for Glenn to manage a grocery business. Although Will would venture beyond Oroville, it would always be the place he called home. Will graduated from Oroville High School in 1951 and Chico State College (now CSU, Chico) in 1955 with a BA in accounting. In that same year, Will became a Freemason-a brotherhood he would cherish for the rest of his life. He worked in the accounting field until joining the US Army (1956-1958), followed by the California Army National Guard (1958-1960). Following in his father’s footsteps, Will operated Hiatt’s Grocery Store in Oroville and eventually purchased Lucas Market, creating Mattly’s Market. Although Will enjoyed the grocery business and the community he served, he dreamed of becoming a lawyer. In 1965, Will enrolled in McGeorge Law School, in Sacramento. He graduated in 1969 with a Juris Doctor degree, but most importantly, he met and married the love of his life, Carolyn, in 1966. The family moved back to Oroville where Will would begin his life-fulfilling career. Will worked privately as an attorney until he entered public service in 1971 with a Deputy District Attorney position for Butte County. He would continue with the DA’s office until 1989, including three successful election campaigns for District Attorney. During this time, the family moved to Gridley where Will and Carolyn successfully operated a 43-acre walnut ranch. In 1987, Will and Carolyn moved to Nevada (Reno and then Las Vegas), when Will accepted a position as an Assistant US Attorney. During this time, Will worked closely with the FBI, prosecuting federal crimes including bank robbery. Will received many accolades for his work during this time. In 1996, the couple decided to leave Las Vegas and get back to Will’s northern Nevada roots moving to Battle Mountain when he was appointed interim DA for Lander County, Nevada. From there, the couple moved to Fallon, NV when Will accepted an Assistant DA position for Churchill County. This would be Will’s final place of employment until his retirement in 2003.
Will was 70 years old and had dedicated his life to serving the public in the pursuit of justice. Will and Carolyn moved to Herald, CA to be closer to their family and fulfill one last dream of Will’s, to raise registered Shorthorn cattle. On their 5 acres, Will and Carolyn enjoyed their small cattle business, but in 2005 decided that real estate prices were too good. They sold their agricultural property for a house in Elk Grove, CA that would allow them the freedom to travel and fully enjoy retirement. And that they did to its fullest until Carolyn’s passing in 2013. Will passed away on July 23, 2018. A graveside service was held on July 25, 2018 at the Memorial Park Cemetery where he was laid to rest next to his bride.
Will is survived by his sister Maryellen Funk, three children, Debbie Mattly, David Mattly, and Patsy Nemetz, 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. All who knew Will remember his vibrant personality, warm friendliness, and inextinguishable cheer. His family remembers his unfailing love, fierce discipline, and positive attitude. A loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a faithful friend, he will be sorely missed.
A Memorial Service will be held in Will’s honor on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Southside Community Center in Oroville. All are welcome to attend and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Shriners Hospital. This would be greatly appreciated as these were some of his favorite charities.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.