Zeda (Knox) Matz

Ancestors

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Biography

Early Life

Zeda Faye Knox was born November 19, 1924 in Kit Carson, Colorado^[1] to Lawrence Milton Knox (1979-1957) and Minnie Ellen Grabner (1888-1970)^[2]. She was the last of five children, including Lloyd M. (1910-1997), Elmo Hubert (1913-1964), Baby Dale (September 9-11, 1915) and Ernest Lee (1922-2014). About 1928 or 1929 the family moved to Ontario, Oregon due to Minnie and Elmo’s health. The 1930 Federal Census^[3] shows them in Ontario with Lawrence and Elmo working as laborers in the fruit orchards, while Lloyd was working in the public library. Around 1933 the family moved to Fruitland, Idaho. The 1940 Federal Census ^[4]finds Lloyd and Elmo moved out of the house, with Lawrence working for one of the Depression Era “Public Emergency” agencies (i.e., Civilian Conservation Corp or Works Project Administration) and Ernie and Zeda in high school. Zeda completed high school as Senior Class President in 1942 and while she was offered a tennis scholarship to a local college, she turned it down to stay and help the family. Sometime around 1942 the family moved in with Elmo, at 5614 South M Street in Tacoma, Washington. During this period, Lawrence worked in the ship yards^[5]. During the War, she worked in the insurance department of a savings & loan in Tacoma. In 1945, she is listed working as an office secretary for W. D. Hopping & Co., living at r2403 S. 54th. St.^[6]. Zeda met William Edward Matz on a blind date after the war.

Marriage & Family Life

William married Zeda in her parent’s home at 2403 South 34th Street in Tacoma on July 31, 1946^[7]. The minister was Fred A. Amike, of The Church of Christ. Zeda said they went car camping for their honeymoon. In 1947 Bill worked for Alan Maurmann doing watch repair and the two lived at h902a Apartment 7^[8]. In 1949, they lived at h4905 N. 25th St. while Zeda continued working for William D. Hopping & Co. Insurance Agency ^[9]. They were still living there in 1951 when Bill worked for Frank’s Jewelers^[10].

The couple moved to Salem, Oregon sometime after 1951 and then to McMinnville, Oregon in 1955. Their first house was at 509 NW Donahoo St.^[11] After Zeda gave birth to Stephan Edward on January 30, 1956 they bought a ranch- style home at 646 NW 18th St. Janet Louise followed soon after on November 14, 1957. They lived there until the early 1970s when they moved just two blocks over to 702 NW 19th St. Bill died 4 October 1981 at home. The cause of death was from heart complications attributed to rheumatic fever he contracted during the war.

After Bill’s death Zeda sold the house and bought a double- wide mobile home in McMinnville Manor Mobile Home Park at 1602 Riverside Drive. After her retirement Zeda started traveling with senior groups and friends, including to Europe, Canada, Mexico and around the United States. In addition, she enjoyed reading, playing cards, crocheting, and gardening. She also volunteered at the local hospital for over 10 years. She sold the mobile home due to health reasons around 2012 and resided at Brookdale McMinnville City Center senior living center until her death on July 30th, 2015. Both Bill and Zeda rest in adjoining niches in the mausoleum at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Sources

1. ↑ Pierce County Marriage Certificate 92668 for William Edward Matz and Zeda Faye Knox, July 29, 1946. Washington, Marriage Records, 1854-2013. Washington State Archives; Olympia, Washington; Marriage Returns.
2. ↑ Lawrence Knox Family Genealogy Circa 1800-2000. Unpublished manuscript by Ernest Knox, 2000; Seattle, Washington.
3. ↑ 1930 Federal Census. Census Place: Ontario, Malheur, Oregon; Roll: 1945; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 28; Image: 1025.0; FHL microfilm: 2341679.
4. ↑ 1940 Federal Census. Census Place: South Fruitland, Payette, Idaho; Roll: T627_752; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 38-10.
5. ↑ U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 for Lawrence Milton Knox. The National Archives Pacific Alaska Region (Seattle); Seattle, Washington; Fourth Registration Draft Cards (WWII); State Headquarters: Washington; Record Group Name: Records of the Selective Service System; Record Group Number: 147; Archive Number: 563992.
6. ↑ Polk’s Tacoma (Washington) City Directory Vol. LVIII 1945. Published by R. L. Polk & Co., Tacoma, Washington; pg. 497. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995.
7. ↑ Undated newspaper clipping announcing wedding engagement for Zeda Faye Knox and William E. Matz
8. ↑ Polk’s Tacoma (Washington) City Directory Vol. LVIV 1947. Published by R. L. Polk & Co., Seattle, Washington; pg. 551. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995.
9. ↑ Polk’s Tacoma (Washington) City Directory Vol. LX 1949. Published by R. L. Polk & Co., Seattle, Washington; pg. 497. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995.
10. ↑ Polk’s Tacoma (Washington) City Directory Vol. LXI 1949. Published by R. L. Polk & Co., Seattle, Washington; pg. 659. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995.
11. ↑ U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2. Ancestry.com, Provo, Utah.

• Stephan E. Matz, "William Edward Matz & Zeda Faye Knox, A Generational History, pdf file, Publitas (https://view.publitas.com/p222-11649/william-matz-zeda-knox/).