Gretchen Matlock

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, at First Presbyterian Church for Gretchen Matlock. of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mrs. Matlock, 75, died Monday, October 3, 2016 at her home in Artesia.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Gretchen was born August 4, 1941 in Pecos, Texas; the daughter of Loyal E. Sloan and Doris Tatom Sloan. She was raised in a ranching family in Monahans, Texas. She graduated from Monahans High School in 1959 and attended Texas Tech University in the 1960's. She transferred to North Texas State and received her teaching degree in 1966. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity and stayed active for over 50 years.

Gretchen moved to Artesia in 1974 with her first husband Clifton May. She had a 30 year teaching career. She taught 5th grade, and loved it, in several of the local schools but, Hermosa Elementary School was her home and favorite.

She made political history by being the first woman elected to the Artesia City Council in 1984. She was also a member of the P.E.O. Chapter AQ, and a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Gretchen married David Matlock on May 10, 1991.

Survivors include her son William Tatom May of Chandler, Arizona; step-sons Gordon Matlock and Larry Matlock; a granddaughter Sadie Grace May and a step-grandson Matthias Matlock.

Service