Alice (Wellman) Mattson

Alice Mattson of Sterling, KS, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, on April 17th, 2021. (Katherine) Alice was born August 24th, 1946, to Edward and Georgina (Dwyer) Wellman. Alice attended Wichita State University, where she met Royce Mattson. They were married January 21st, 1968, in Sterling, KS, at the First United Methodist Church. They later purchased and renovated the country Triumph Church, where they settled and raised their family. Throughout her life Alice dedicated herself to arts advocacy and education in the community. Alice taught art in the Sterling schools for decades, beginning at Sterling Grade School and ending at Sterling High School, as well as teaching studio classes at Sterling College. She served on the board of the Rice County Arts Council and was instrumental in the continued success of the Prairie Arts Show, where she claimed countless awards for her sculpture and pottery. Her influence as an educator and caring, inspiring mentor can be seen in generations of students who developed a love for the arts. Her talent as an artist is also known and admired throughout the state of Kansas. In her retirement, Alice focused on helping build the Studio 96 Sterling Community Center and Art Gallery. From grant writing to demolition, paint color to gallery design and serving on the Board of Directors, Alice was instrumental in the planning and creation of Studio 96. Alice also loved animals. Together she and Royce ran what was affectionately called the Mattson Cat and Wildlife Sanctuary, where they took in any strays that needed a home. Alice was an astounding mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed. She is survived and forever loved by her children, Benjamin (Katie) Mattson, Katelyn (Jason) Levy, Gwendolyn (Eric) Walters; grandchildren Shepard, Lucy, Vivian, Georgina, Miriam, Royce, Magnus, Hawken, and Björn; cousins Emily, Greg, Brad, and Alan Wellman. Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Royce, on November 13th, 2020. The family is comforted by the thought that they are now together. A memorial has been established in Alice’s name at Studio 96. Checks can be made out to Studio 96 and sent to Studio 96, PO Box 14, Sterling, KS 67579. Plans for a joint memorial celebration for Alice and Royce will be announced at a later date. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

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