Hayley Mattern

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved girl, Hayley Mattern, who was taken after a short battle with brain cancer on April 7, 2025, at the age of 23 years old. Hayley was surrounded by her family, wrapped in her parents’ arms, and her brother lovingly holding her hand as she drew her last breath.

Born on August 8, 2001, Hayley was pure joy and brought so much light into our world. We are beyond blessed to have had the gift of Hayley and heartbroken that she was taken from us so soon. She was an extraordinary young woman with a gentle countenance, a loving heart, and a nurturing nature. She never met a stranger and was drawn to those who were overlooked or needed a friend. Hayley was a loyal and protective friend and sister. She would often voluntarily take on the responsibility of caretaking for her sister with disabilities, always treating Emily with compassion, dignity, and respect. She lovingly teased her siblings, especially Christian, who viewed Hayley as his best friend. Hayley was an amazing daughter who offered us boundless grace and love as we stumbled through parenting. She was adored by her parents and grandparents, who loved every moment we spent with her.

Hayley was intellectually gifted and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in the summer of 2024 with her Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences. She was taking steps to pursue her Master’s degree in conservation so she could have a future working for the National Park Service. Hayley loved adventuring outdoors and snuggling on the couch with her best puppy friend, Scout. She loved animals of every kind and was known to rescue worms from drowning after rainstorms. Hayley had eclectic tastes; she loved anime, video games, music, Star Wars, talking about parasites, and offering interesting facts to anyone with a spare moment to listen.

Hayley was a Christian. Her walk with Christ was visible through her actions. She was an example of love, humility, generosity, and kindness. Hayley took the outward step of affirming her faith through baptism in June 2024. Though we are experiencing profound grief, we take comfort in knowing that Jesus lovingly held her as she passed from this life. We know we will see her again and look forward to hearing about her adventures in Heaven.

Hayley is survived by her adoring parents, father and stepmother, Michael and Julie Mattern, of St. Charles, MO, and mother and stepfather, Carissa and Scott Rupp, of Wentzville, MO; her cherished siblings, Emily Mattern, Christian Mattern, Lyla Mattern, Noelle Rupp, and Scottie Rupp; loving grandparents, Arthur and Ruth Schaper; and grandmother, Joyce Mattern. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, John Mattern.

Memorials:  In honor of Hayley, donations may be made to: National Park Foundation, in care of: Pitman Funeral Home 1545 Wentzville Parkway Wentzville, Missouri 63385

Family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hayley Mattern, please visit our floral store.