Geraldine Ann Matt

Geraldine “Jerri” Ann Matt, 83, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on April 14, 2025, at John Knox Village. 

Jerri was born on August 23, 1941, in Ute, Iowa, to Lawrence and Katherine Eckhoff. She grew up in Ute, Iowa, and graduated from Ute High School in 1959. Jerri married Louis Matt on July 14, 1962, and together they raised three boys while founding the Matt Family Dealerships. She was a member of Saint Mark’s Catholic Church in Independence, MO, for over 45 years. 

Before her marriage, Jerri worked as a waitress at a local cafe in Ute. She later became a telephone operator. After Louie found success as a car salesman in Iowa, the couple purchased a Ford dealership in Buckner, MO, in 1976, relocating their family to the Kansas City area. This marked the beginning of Matt Ford. In the early years, Jerri played a pivotal role in ensuring the dealership's success, taking on various responsibilities, from parts driver to all-around "girl Friday." As their business expanded, Louie dedicated himself to its growth, while Jerri focused on being a devoted mother to their three boys. Eventually, two more dealerships followed, forming the Matt Family Dealerships with their sons. 

Jerri was known for her vibrant personality. She was always quick to share stories about the challenges of being left-handed and her love of Bud Light and Relax (IYKYK). She was also famous for always "knowing a guy." Jerri took up running when her boys were young, joining the Independence YMCA, where she made lifelong friends. She took great pride in her running accomplishments, including a road race on Pike’s Peak and completing half-marathons well into her seventies. 

Jerri was a proud "boy mom" long before the phrase became popular. She often shared that God gave her sons for a reason, and she doted on them, as well as her grandsons and any other boys she "adopted" along the way. 

She enjoyed cheering on her favorite sports teams and attending concerts whenever possible. Over the years, Louie and Jerri held season tickets for the Chiefs, Royals, Mavericks, and Sandstone Amphitheater. She was also a die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fan. Later in life, her favorite sporting events were watching her grandsons play baseball, football, and basketball. 

Jerri was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Louie Matt; their son, Thomas (stillborn, 1967); her parents; and her siblings Eileen Henricks, Ronald Eckhoff, and Janice Ripenthrop. She is survived by her three sons: Todd (Julie) of Blue Springs, MO; Cory (Deena) of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Ryan (Summer) of Conroe, TX. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Evan, Liam, Noah, Lena, and Kira, as well as her siblings Bonnie Andrich, Shirley Watson, and Phillip Eckhoff. 

Cremation and a private service are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerri’s honor to Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity.