Rollin Orvil Mattice

Rollin Orvil Mattice, Age 90, returned to his maker on April 5, 2023.  Rollin was born February 19, 1933, to Loren Arnold Mattice and Violet Carmack Mattice in Rosemead, California, one of six children.  His siblings, all who preceded him in death were:  sister Rebecca Ripberger, brother Arnold Lamarr, sister Melba Bowlin, brother Herbert Wayne, and brother Jerry Edgar.  The family later moved to and settled in a subdivision between Santa Margarita and Atascadero, California, named Garden Farms, where Rollin spent his younger years.  Rollin loved it there and fondly referenced all things about growing up in this idyllic spot throughout his life.  Being athletic and always on the go, Rollin loved playing all sports, lettering in three of them, all while playing in band while attending Atascadero High School.

After High School, Rollin and his beloved brother Wayne joined the Navy, and had the unique experience of serving all 4 years together aboard aircraft carrier USS Windham Bay.  After getting out of the Navy, Rollin joined his parents who had moved to Parker, Arizona during the depression, where his father had obtained work on the construction of Parker Dam, the world’s deepest dam.  While living in Parker, Rollin met the young Charlotte Mae Bradshaw, who had recently graduated High School, and they were married in August 1956. Rollin was employed as the Parts Manager at Parker Motor Co, the local Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Dealership.  During this time Rollin and his brother Jerry began building and racing Super Modified Race Cars.  This did not bode well with Charlotte, and in compromise Rollin applied to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the GI Bill to finish his college education, was accepted, quit his job, sold their house, and loaded the moving truck, only for a wrinkle in paperwork to derail his admission that year.  He punted and bought a local Auto Salvage business he ran for several years.  During these years the oldest son Kelly was born in 1957, and the oldest daughter Patsy was born in 1959.  For a short time they actually lived in the Salvage Yard office, certainly a low point for all, but in spite of what everyone else thought, Rollin made the best of it, and of course continued racing. In 1965 Rollin was involved in a major accident at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix, nearly killing him, and Charlotte put her foot down, ending the racing career.  Son number two, Philip Todd was born in 1967.  In 1970 Rollin went to work for Saguaro Chevrolet in Parker selling cars, and excelled at it ranking in General Motor’s Legion of Leaders.  In 1971, daughter number two, Karen Dyan, was born.  Then in 1973 Rollin took the opportunity to open a new GM Dealership in Blythe, California and went through the rigorous process to be appointed as the designated Dealer for a Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and GMC Truck Dealership there.  The family moved to Blythe while the Dealership building construction was being completed, and it was a very exciting time.  In addition, Rollin was also approached by Honda North America to take on an automobile franchise in Blythe, which was quite unconventional in those days.  During this time the first “energy crisis” hit, with many predicting the demise of large gas guzzling American Cars, and Rollin’s business partner pulled out, and the dream imploded without full funding.  It really took the wind out of Rollin’s sails, and eventually in 1975 he purchased his father’s Auto Parts Store in Parker.  He moved the family back to Parker in 1978, until he sold the Auto Parts Store in 1981.  The family subsequently moved to Mesa, Arizona, and Rollin bought and ran Cement Tool Supply Co in Phoenix for several years.  In 1990 Rollin and Charlotte divorced, and Rollin moved to Chandler, where he lived the remainder of his life.  Neither Rollin nor Charlotte remarried, and always remained in contact.

Rollin is survived by his ex-wife, Charlotte Mattice, and four children:  son Kelly (Paige), daughter Patsy Pennick, son Philip, and daughter Karen Mattice, all of Gilbert, Arizona, in addition to 11 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.  Rollin remained an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in many callings including the Elder’s Quorum, Bishopric Counselor, a High Councilman for many years, and not the least of which was Ministering Brother.  He was extremely independent, loved good music and movies, was an avid reader and sports enthusiast, not just spectating, but playing basketball and baseball well into his fifties.  In his later years he possessed a very pleasant disposition.  He loved the Lord, was a good example to all, and in a very good place with his maker at his passing.

Memorial Services to be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

1950 W Galveston St, Chandler, AZ  85224