Michael (Mike) Ray Matheny

Michael (Mike) Ray Matheny, 71, passed away June 20th, 2026 at Franciscan Health Crown Point, surrounded by family and friends. Michael was born September 1st, 1954 to Arbutus and Gilbert Matheny.

Michael is survived by his loving wife: Petronila (Nila) Matheny (Chew), daughters: Michelle Matheny, Jessica Matheny, Rachel (Reece) Matheny, Patricia Matheny, and Melissa (Craig) Blankenship (Moser), grandchildren: Naomy Matheny, Eric Matheny Jr., Kody Matheny, Vincent Matheny, Analicia Morris, Krysten Monko, Payton Lake, Preslie Lake, Corey Moser, Veronica Baker, Dakota Baker and Tristan Wheat, and brothers: Gary Matheny, Greg Matheny, and Bo Matheny

Michael was proceeded in death by both his mother and father, his sister Patricia (Vern) Clement, and son Eric (Sandy) Matheny Sr.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman. He was happiest at the first sight of dawn, worm in the water, listening to nature. Michael shared his knowledge and love of fishing with all of his kids and grandkids. 

Mike also enjoyed hunting, and could cook a mean “deer camp breakfast.” He also made a legendary chili: if you knew Michael, you heard about his chili.

If Michael was indoors, he was playing billiards, watching a western, or enjoying any sports program on tv. Mike was an amazing billiards player, even with a paralyzed dominant arm he still could play with the best of them. From billiards, to tennis, football or basketball, if there was a sport on tv, Michael was probably watching it. If there was no sport on tv: “Gunsmoke: starring James Arness as Matt Dillon”

A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles in Gary, Indiana on July 11th, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Thank you to Hillside Funeral Home for preforming the cremation.

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