Patricia Gay Matlock Tarlton

Patricia Gay Matlock Tarlton, age 92, of Taylorsville, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. She was born in Hiddenite, North Carolina on September 1, 1932, to the late Thomas L. Matlock and Gay Hendren Matlock. She graduated in 1950 from Hiddenite High School and continued her education at Women's College (UNC-G), graduating in 1953 with a degree in Home Economics.

Patricia met the love of her life, Robert Van Tarlton, in the summer of 1952 while watching a baseball game. As Van slid into third base, he tipped his hat to her and winked. It was love at first sight. They married on October 4, 1952. Patricia is survived by their three children: Susan Tarlton Marshall (Randy) of Greensboro, Robert Van Tarlton, Jr. (Mary) of Taylorsville, and Sandra L. Tarlton of Swannanoa; four grandchildren: Robert E. Marshall (Laura) of Charlotte, David A. Marshall of Clayton, Sara Marshall Rotman (Mark) of Mooresville and Trenton K. Tarlton of Taylorsville and great- grandchildren: Avery, Anna Kate, Carter, Madison, and Kadelyn.

Patricia spent several years as a school teacher before joining her husband at their Nationwide Insurance business as his office manager. Spare time was spent traveling, quiet time at their home in the mountains, or tending to the yard and garden. Side by side for over sixty-four years, Van passed March 26, 2017.

Patricia had two great loves, her church and her family. A member of East Taylorsville Baptist Church, she actively served the Lord through her many talents. Whether teaching a Sunday School class, organizing quarterly literature orders or baking a peach cobbler, she was ready to help. She supported several Christian organizations in Alexander County such as Caring Hearts and Christian Crisis Center. Her family could depend on amazing home cooked meals, always leftovers to take home, an ear that was ready to listen and always hearing stories of the antics of her favorite fur child, Izzy.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Hiddenite Cemetery at 11:00 am. Reverend Kevin White and Reverend Steven Dagenhart will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christian Crisis Center, PO Box 75, Taylorsville, NC 28681, Caring Hearts, PO Box 164, Taylorsville, NC 28681, or Gideons International, PO Box 517, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com