Mattie Lee Bridges, 95, of Montrose, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026.

Mattie Lee was born on December 11, 1930, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Lee and Mattie Reed. She was raised in La Junta, Colorado, where she met William “Bill” Bridges. The two were married on September 23, 1951, beginning a life together filled with family, hard work, friendship, and many wonderful memories. Shortly after their marriage, Bill and Mattie made their home in Montrose, Colorado.

Mattie Lee was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and her beloved husband, Bill. She is survived by their three children, Richard (Shirley) Bridges, Jim (Jeanne) Bridges, and Penny (Randy) Leonard; as well as 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Her large and growing family was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Throughout her working years, Mattie Lee clerked at the sale barn and farm sales alongside Dean and Betty Bridges. She later worked for Rocky Mountain Natural Gas in Montrose for 24 years, followed by 8 years with Federal Land Bank.

Anyone who knew Mattie Lee knew she was truly one of a kind. She was a social butterfly who always seemed to have a fuller social calendar than the rest of us. She loved her flowers, playing cards and bingo, bowling, and spending time with her many friends. She was also one of the Denver Broncos’ biggest fans and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her Broncos.

Above all else, Mattie Lee loved her family. Nothing made her happier than spending time with the generations of family that grew around her. Over her 95 years, she built a beautiful life filled with family, friendships, laughter, and countless memories. Her outgoing spirit, love of a good card game, devotion to her Broncos, and the special way she connected with people will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always held close in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Montrose Christian Church at 2351 Sunnyside Rd. Montrose, with a lunch reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope West Hospice in Mattie Lee’s memory at www.hopewestco.org/donate