Obituary of Beth Matney

Beth Matney passed away unexpectedly from natural causes May 19, 2021.  To know Beth was to know an adventurous soul who lived each day to its fullest. She came from humble beginnings, growing up with her parents, Drew and Leona Sayer and two brothers in Salmon, Idaho where her father farmed potatoes. She graduated from Salmon High School, then began college, studying interior decorating and raising her children with her husband, Dick Overcast. She had an amazing talent for making everything she touched beautiful using her positive attitude and eye for color. Opportunity took the family to Las Vegas, Nevada. Even though she was far from her hometown in the mountains, she flourished, building many lifelong friendships. The family moved from the chaos and turmoil of Las Vegas to the Teton mountains of Jackson, Wyoming in 1971. 

She traded her sun bonnet for a ski hat and threw herself into the role of “Ski Team Mom” for a rowdy bunch of kids that brought her much joy and many laughs. After her family grew up, Beth turned her attention to her passion for art and beauty. She built Center Street Gallery from the ground up and managed the gallery as a successful independent businesswoman on the town square.  She was an advocate for the arts and was instrumental in the creation of the Fall Arts Festival in Jackson. She served on the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and the Board of First Interstate Bank.

In her free time, Beth was an avid outdoorswoman. She loved hiking, skiing, and scuba diving and dove into any new adventure headfirst with energy and enthusiasm. She enjoyed playing bridge, sipping a scotch and water and entertaining friends and family. Some of her best laughs came from her beloved Bridge Group, the Trumpettes.  

Beth retired and moved back to Idaho where she met her “Idaho-Farm-Boy”, Bill Matney. Beth and Bill had a passion for travel and adventure. They split their time between Boise, ID and Mesa, AZ.  They could often be found traveling in their motorhome exploring America.

Beth rejoined the Lord after the heart that we loved so much, gave out. We know she is probably, playing bridge and enjoying Happy Hour with a new group of friends.

Beth is preceded in death by her parents, Drew and Leona Sayer, and her brother Steve Sayer.

Beth is survived by her husband Bill Matney (and family); her brother Ron Sayer (and family); her children Dru (and Brian Graham), Susan Overcast, Jami Overcast and Mike (and Jennifer Overcast); grandchildren; Kristin Knowles, Taylor Graham, Jordan Graham, and Lily Overcast; and great-grand child Marli Knowles. 

Celebrations of Life will be held in Meridian, ID, July 3, 2021 4:00 to 7:00 PM, 4702 W. Lost Rapids St.  83646.  Please RSVP to 208-867-7261.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beth’s honor to the Assistance League of Boise.