The family of Bernice Mattice has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the services of their loved one as she makes her final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Bernice is the spouse of Kenyon Lee Mattice, a World War II Navy veteran who was interred at Riverside National Cemetery in February 1988. The space for burial with her husband was accomplished upon his interment.
Bernice was born on 06 June 1928 in Los Angeles and entered Eternal Rest on 17 September 2022 in Wrightwood.
Bernice celebrated her ninety-fourth birthday on D-Day, 06 June 2022.
As many of you know, Bernice attended many Veterans Without Families missions with Jim "The Mayor" Frost when she was physically able, and he was available to provide transportation. She was well into her '80s and transitioned from walking to PGR Missions without support to walking with her cane, using a walker, and no longer being able to attend. She also enjoyed meeting with Jon Hemp's mother at RNC before Jon's mom moved.
Bernice and her husband worked at Collier Motor Sales after the war, where Kenny wanted to meet the girl with the voice on the switchboard. They married in 1950, and by 1964 that relationship produced three daughters and the purchase of a NAPA Auto Parts store. Upon Kenny's untimely death in 1988, Bernice took over full responsibility for what had grown to NAPA stores in both Phelan and Palmdale.
Bernice grew up in the LA Home for Girls, where she was cared for by Sisters of Charity. Bernice was a devoted Catholic, dedicating over twenty years in support of Sunday Adoration at the Loma Linda Veterans Hospital with Fr. Leonard. A member of Our Lady of Snows at Wrightwood, she served in too many ministries to mention. She had "her own" seat in the church so she wouldn't need to stand at her age to receive Communion.
In her late '80s, she often accompanied her Son-In-Law Jim "The Mayor" Frost, to Veterans Without Family Missions Wednesday mornings. Bernice greatly respected Doyle "Popeye" Tolbert and the Patriot Guard for their desire to honor the service of men and women who otherwise may have been forgotten. Those Wednesdays were always special to her, being in the presence of fellow patriots and respecting their dedication.
Bernice is survived by daughters Lynn Yost (Frank), Gwyn Frost (Jim), Karyn Hardin, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and too many friends to mention. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenyon Mattice, a WWII Navy veteran.
She died peacefully at her Wrightwood home on 17 September at 94. She is joining her husband again at Riverside National Cemetery on 12 October 2022.
NOTE: This mission posting will facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
NOTE: Please observe the latest "COVID-19" restrictions.
Time Table for Wednesday 12 October 2022
1245 – Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR Staging: North of the Restrooms as you are coming into RNC)
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1315 – Mission Briefing
1330 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service, and Military Honors
R/C: Angel Guaderrama, Sgt. USAF
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
909-229-1809
guad45@yahoo.com
"Thank a Soldier"
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to participate in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
