Lynell Diane Matsen May 4, 2018

Lynell Diane Matsen, 62, entered the glories of Heaven from her home in Gold Bar, Wash. on May 4, 2018 after a courageous battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

She was born Oct. 13, 1955 in Seattle and grew up in the Maple Leaf neighborhood between Lake City and Northgate. She graduated in 1973 from Nathan Hale High School.  She married Charles “Chuck” Matsen of Seattle on April 11, 1980, and they lived for many years in the Carnation area before moving to Gold Bar several years ago.

Lynell worked over the years in a wide range of jobs in the Seattle metro area, primarily in the retail sector.

A gentle spirit, as a teenager she accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. She was known as an exceptionally sweet, sincere and loving person who sought to encourage everyone she met.  Even in her final days she quoted Scripture about the great hope her faith provided.  She loved music and had an especially soft heart for animals.

She is survived by her husband, Charles, of Gold Bar; her mother Patti Fortmeyer; her twin brother (Walter) John Fortmeyer and his wife, Sandy, all of Newberg, Ore.;  a brother-in-law and sister-in law, Sam and Chris Matsen of Seattle;  an aunt, Constance Fortmeyer of Garner, N.C.;  three cousins, four nephews, two nieces, and numerous grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter F. Fortmeyer; and by a stillborn baby brother, Steven Scott Fortmeyer.

A celebration of life service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Berean Bible Church, 2345 N. 185th St., Shoreline, Wash.  A reception will follow. Inurnment is at Evergreen-Washelli in Seattle.