Mattie Lois Ferguson Coldiron
Mattie Lois Ferguson Coldiron passed away on February 3, 2021 due to complications of COVID-19. She was 87 years old. Mattie Lois was born March 2, 1933 on Main Street in Greenup to the late Mary Lily McKee Ferguson and William Stephen Ferguson. She attended Greenup Independent Schools, and always a trailblazer, was the president of the senior class of 1951. Despite losing both of her parents early in life, she was able to achieve so much, including working briefly for the FBI in Washington DC, before returning to her home on Main Street.
On Christmas Eve in 1954 at the Greenup First United Methodist Church, Mattie Lois married the boy across the street, Frank “Did” Coldiron. Together, they had three wonderful children, Dr. Nancy Coldiron Preston (Judge Jeff Preston), Frank Stephen Coldiron (Leanne Riggs Coldiron), and Joe Edwin Coldiron (Kelly Smith Coldiron). Her beloved Did passed away in 1966, and Mattie began the task of raising three small children alone.
Mattie greatly loved her small town of Greenup. She was the unofficial mayor and historian of Greenup throughout her life, and was a member of the Lioness Club, the Greenup Women’s Club, and the Old Fashion Day Committee. She held court nearly daily on her front porch swing, where everyone knows the real decisions of city governance were made.
She loved to do yard work and passed along her passion for gardening to her kids and grandkids. She grew the tallest flowers and the biggest pumpkins. Once, she even got a tomato to bear fruit in February by planting it under a dryer vent.
Mattie loved her family beyond measure. In addition to her children, she is survived by her adoring grandchildren, who affectionally called her MadDog: Andrea Preston Coldiron (Larry S. Coldiron), Courtney Preston Kellner (Matthew Kellner), Tate Preston (Sanja Murga Preston), Katie Lynn Coldiron, Kara Coldiron Fields (Schyler Fields), Ethan Coldiron , and Eli Coldiron. She is also is survived by five great grandchildren: Samuel Clayton Coldiron, Preston Cade Coldiron, Harrison McKee Kellner, Margaret Elizabeth Kellner, and Emilija Anne Preston. Additionally she is survived by many nieces and nephews whom she adored. She is survived by many friends, including Janet Shepherd, with whom she spoke daily and shared many Greenup County adventures.
Her family would like to thank Dr. Rancie Hannah, who took incredible care of Mattie over the years. He was also a bonus child to her and attended every family celebration.
Lastly to the City of Greenup: Thank you for loving and taking care of Mattie for the entirety of her life. She loved you all deeply and will undoubtedly attempt to coordinate Old Fashion Days from heaven, so be sure to pay attention.
A service for Mattie will be held Saturday, February 6 at her home for immediate family only due to Covid. A celebration of her life will be held for all of her family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the City of Greenup for a Beautification Project, in her memory at the First and People’s Bank. Burial will be at the Riverview Cemetery. Reed Funeral Home in Greenup, Kentucky is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.rlrfuneralhome.com.
