Michelle Matthews

Artesia resident Michelle Eileen Matthews passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2024. Michelle was born on August 29, 1964, in Orange County, California A few years later, Michelle's family returned to Artesia, where she resided until her death. Michelle graduated from Artesia High School in 1982 and later received her bachelor's and master's degrees from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Michelle's high school and college friends remember her as a sweet soul who always had a kind word for everyone she encountered.

Michelle was an accomplished horsewoman and competed in reining and cutting events for many years. During her high school years, she represented New Mexico twice at the American Junior Quarter Horse Association World Show, where she made the finals in the reining event. After switching her focus to cutting horses, Michelle won many events in the Southwestern United States. Michelle also took pride in training future Eddy County Rodeo Queens over the years.

Despite her own achievements, Michelle was most proud of two sons who were the loves of her life - James Solomon Matthews and Jacob Joel Matthews. If she were here, she would tell you the best times of her life were spent with James and Jake as they achieved many championships in team roping. Later in life, she experienced great joy as "Mimi" to Jake's children Kase Ray Matthews, Rhynlee Myree Matthews and James Cole Matthews and as mother-in-law to Jake's wife Polly Matthews. Michelle loved to dote on her grandbabies and spoil them by letting them stay up past their bed time and feeding them sugary treats just before she was ready to hand them back to their parents!

Michelle was predeceased by her son James Solomon Matthews, her parents Joel and Eireen Carson and her brother Stephen Messmer. She is survived by her son Jacob Joel Matthews, his wife Polly Matthews and her grandchildren Kase Ray, Rhynlee Myree and James Cole. AIso, surviving Michelle are her significant other of many years Richard Martin, her brothers, Ron Carson and wife Ann, Reese Carson and Joel Carson and wife Karen. As the world's best Aunt, she is survived by four nephews who dearly loved her - Reese Carson, Jr., Kenz Price, Joel Carson IV and Chris Carson.

The family invites everyone to attend a memorial service and celebration of a life well lived for Michelle at The Methodist Church of Artesia on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10 am followed by a Graveside service at 2pm at the Lovington Cemetery. The Pallbearers will be Jake Matthews, Rick Richardson, Tracy Richardson, Reece Carson Jr., Joel Carson IV, Chris Carson, and Richard Martin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rob Matthews, Johnny Hernandez, Reece Carson Sr., Ronnie Carson, and Joel Carson III. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Methodist Church of Artesia.