Malinda “Grams” Jean Mattwaoshshe, 93, of the Kickapoo Reservation, passed away at her home, on Friday, January 10, 2020.

She was born January 6, 1927 at the family home on the Kickapoo Reservation. She was one of five children born to Albert and Vestana Masquat Cadue.  Malinda was very proud of her education that started at the Red Top School and included a degree in Business from Haskell Indian Nations University. With an aptitude for numbers and organization, she worked in the Insurance Commissioner’s Office in Topeka, KS.

A young and vibrant Malinda married the love of her life, Emory Mattwaoshshe on August 15, 1948 in Horton, Kansas. He preceded her in death in 1977. The couple shared many adventures and rides on Emory’s motorcycle. Emory and Malinda were blessed with two sons, Steve and Michael. Malinda was proud of her family and could always be seen dressed for work in high heels. She served the tribe in a variety of capacities including bookkeeping, Tribal Council, and Kickapoo Nation School where she retired in 2003.

She is survived  by a son, Michael Mattwaoshshe of the Kickapoo Reservation.

Affectionately known as “Grams” by her eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, she always had open arms and a warm quilted blanket she handmade for everyone she loved. Malinda spent her many years laughing, careful not to take things too seriously, watching her family grow and prosper, tackling a tough jigsaw puzzle, yelling at the Royals or Jayhawks on TV, and sewing the day away. Grams will live in the hearts of many and will surely always be looking out for each and every one of us for years to come.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Steve in 1990, three brothers, Kenneth Cadue Sr., Gerald Cadue, Albert Duane Cadue, sister, Alberta Cadue and a granddaughter, Michelle in 1999.

A Wake service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. at the Kickapoo Community Building on the Kickapoo Reservation. Burial will be at sunrise on Tuesday morning at the Mattwaoshshe-Cadue Cemetery on the Kickapoo Reservation. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com