Virginia “Ginny” Marie Mataya
June 5, 1943 – November 8, 2026
Virginia “Ginny” Marie Mataya (née Stephens) passed away on November 8, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on June 5, 1943, to Thomas and Mary Ann Stephens, Ginny was the youngest of three daughters, growing up alongside her sisters Katie (Don) Eveker and Betty Tines.
A lifelong resident of South St. Louis, Ginny attended Resurrection Grade School and St. Anthony’s High School. It was at a Teen Town dance at St. Anthony’s that she met her true soulmate, Tom Mataya. Together, they shared nearly 70 years of a love story that was truly something special. Sadly, less than a year ago, Ginny said a temporary goodbye to her beloved Tom.
Tom and Ginny built a wonderful life and raised three children: Paul (Linda) Mataya, Angie O’Hara, and Joe (Julie) Mataya. Their children will forever be grateful for the enduring example their parents set through the way they lived, loved, and enjoyed life, and for the joyful childhood they provided.
Ginny and Tom’s greatest pride and joy continued with their nine adored grandchildren: Michael (Abby) Mataya, Nick (Mary) Mataya, Kevin O’Hara, Emily (Brandon) Mataya-Roberts, Jon Mataya, Kate O’Hara, Ryan O’Hara, Tommy Mataya, and Dominic Mataya. The family is also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Elena Mataya, with another little girl expected in December.
Beyond her devotion to her family, Ginny had many creative interests and talents. She enjoyed calligraphy and cross-stitching, loved riding her bike along Grant’s Trail, and took great joy in planning European adventures. A woman of deep service, she volunteered at local schools and her church, and selflessly delivered Meals on Wheels for many years to those in need.
Above all else, Ginny’s greatest joy was her family. She was the devoted mom and grandma who never missed a game, match, concert, or milestone event. Whether cheering on her children or her grandchildren, she was always there, showing her love and support in the ways that mattered most.
Her greatest legacy is the family she and Tom built, the steadfast love they shared, and the countless cherished memories that will live on through all who knew and loved her.
Services; Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Sat. November 14, 2026, 9AM for 9:30AM Mass at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church (Ringer Rd.). Interment Park Lawn Cemetery. Visitation at Kutis Friday from 4-7PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mercy South deGreeff Hospice House. The exceptional compassion and kindness they showed Ginny and her family will never be forgotten. https://give.mercyhealthfoundation.net/HospiceHouse