Obituary of Henrietta Matt

March 5, 1947 - January 13, 2025

Henrietta Matt.  Age 77 of New Boston. 

Henrietta Matt (also known as Retta, Ret, Hank, and a few other nicknames) died at her home in New Boston, Michigan on January 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 77.

Born Henrietta Welch at her grandmother’s home in Speedwell, Tennessee on March 5, 1947, Retta was the oldest daughter of the five children of Henry and Ruth Welch. The family moved from Tennessee to Michigan when Retta was three years old, where she resided for the remainder of her life.

She attended school in Wyandotte, Michigan, and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1965. She worked for Milkins Jewelers for a while after high school until she met and married Joseph B. Matt in December of 1966. Joe and Retta remained married and dedicated to each other until the end.

Retta was a lifetime member of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9283 Auxiliary.  She served over 50 years as a member and served as president from 1985 to 1987. She was a firm supporter of anything military-related, ever devoted to her country. 

Retta also volunteered for the Michigan Cancer Foundation for several years making cancer pads for patients as well as volunteering with various additional organizations to serve others.

She had an open-door policy with a large network of family and friends and was a gracious hostess entertaining guests as often as possible with snacks and games for all. She was a good cook and was known for her desserts, making hundreds of cookies each Christmas to share. Retta was a crafter who enjoyed painting and card and jewelry making. She was an avid shopper who couldn’t pass up a bargain and she loved garage sale-ing and bingo and gambling at casinos. 

Retta was a role model for many generations as her style and life ethics were timeless.

Retta is survived by her daughters, Kim (Chris) Louria and Holly (Tim) Diana; her grandchildren, Tim J. Diana, Mike (Rachel) Louria, Christian Louria, and Mark Louria; sisters, Donna (Joe) Hutcherson and Susan Jacobs; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph B. Matt; her parents, Henry and Ruth Welch; and brothers, Steve Welch and Martin Welch.