Susan Lee Matey

Susan Lee Matey, longtime resident of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 69. A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Wendie Jencks-Wilson officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Susan Lee Hahnke was born in Allen Park, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, on July 22, 1954, to Bernard Herman and Winifred Cathern (Wilson) Hahnke. The youngest of two girls, her sister, Karen was born 11 years earlier. They were close even though they were several years apart. Sharing their bedroom allowed Susan to experience records being played by the latest recording artist. She grew up knowing the words of every song and the two shared a passion for Motown artists, the Supremes, the Temptations, the Miracles, and more. Music was natural to Susan. In fact, her aunt was a concert pianist and gave the family a baby grand that both girls took lessons on. After high school graduation Susan attended and graduated from Michigan State University in 1976. The following year Susan moved to Germany and began working for the federal government as a civilian for the military branches. She realized this was a good career for her and she pursued the challenge, later transferring to bases in the United States and in South Korea. She really enjoyed her assignment in South Korea, learning the culture and cuisine for which she acquired a taste. Susan traveled to all countries and took advantage of seeing and experiencing cross country skiing in Germany and South Korea as well as collecting Christmas decorations from Norway. 

In 1999 Susan arrived at Altus Air Force Base and took a management position with Family Members Flight Chief. In 2008 she became director of the TAP program (Transition Assistance Program). Susan was a good friend, boss, and coworker. In her neighborhood she was a friend to all and took children to activities when parents did not have time to do so. As a member of Grace United Methodist Church, she served in the choir and assisted in children’s classes along with her friend, Debra Borders. Together the duo attended events at nursing homes and helped with bingo and games for the residents. They also volunteered during nap time at Grace Day childcare. 

Susan knew she was a child of God. She shared her faith with friends and caregivers. She told her doctors and caregivers how God answered her prayers. God had blessed Susan with a loving and compassionate nature, but Susan also had wisdom. Susan knew she would likely develop dementia in her later years, and she prepared with insurance and planning. She stayed in Altus with its many guardian angels caring for her. Her friend, Debra, felt Susan had her own fleet!  Susan always acknowledged each one with a beautiful smile and her sweet laughter. She radiated goodness which will be missed by all.

Susan leaves a loving family: a sister, Karen Lowry of Seminole, Florida; niece, Susan Mateo and husband, Chris of Seminole, Florida; nephews, Robert Lowry and wife, Leticia of Lincoln Park, Michigan and Todd Lowry and wife, Valerie of Brownstone, Michigan; many great nieces and nephews, friends, caregivers; and her special friend, Debra Borders. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Winifred; and nephew, Brian Scott Lowry.

Memorials may be made in Susan’s name to Grace United Methodist Church, 620 S. Park Lane, Altus, OK 73521. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.