Mattie Kitchen

Mattie Lee Kitchen, aka Suzie Q, was born January 22, 1953 at Broadlawns Hospital in Des

Moines, IA to Mildred Kitchen.

She passed away peacefully at the Urbandale Healthcare Center on March 2, 2023 at 2:38

AM Raised by her grandmother, Ada Mae Christian (Grandma Pig), Mattie was adopted by

Nolan and Ruby Fortner in 1967. She attended the Des Moines Public Schools and went

on to play in the family band, Black Mist, in the 1970's. Having a special knack for doing

hair, she would often have people lined up awaiting their turn. She later went on to work

with the developmentally challenged adolescents and adults, which was her true calling.

She worked in the field until she retired.

Mattie had a TRUE love for her fur babies as well as her family and friends. You were

always guaranteed a great home cooked meal and a beverage of your choice whenever

you went to visit her. Mattie will always be remembered for her free spirit and bubbly

personality. She was known for finding her neighborhood "Cheers" everywhere she has

lived.

She is preceded in death by her biological mother Mildred,, grandmother Ada Mae, her

adopted parents, Ruby and Nolan, her adopted siblings Nathan, Cynthia, and Allen Sr. and

one nephew, Demarko Ricks.

She is survived by her adopted siblings, Bruce (Patricia) Fortner, Lois Fortner, Terri (David)

Curry, two godchildren Jermaine (Robin) Fristo and Sharon Fortner, and a host of other

nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.