Barbara Matracia

Barbara “Barb” Matracia, age 79, of Union, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, reuniting with her best friend and beloved late husband, Ray.

Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her true passion was being a mom and taking care of the people she loved, but she also enjoyed her time working as an insurance agent. A proud German with a flair for Italian cooking, Barb was famously known by her family as “the best cook ever.” Home cooked meals around the large dining room table, especially the holiday meals, were cherished by all her family.

She was a fiercely proud and loving grandmother to her four grandkids, and her love extended to all creatures — especially her dogs and elephants. An avid animal lover, Barb always had room in her heart and her home for a four-legged friend.

Barb had a deep love for the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the Cincinnati Reds. She also found great joy in the outdoors, spending countless weekends camping and boating at Cave Run Lake with family and friends.

Her warmth, her laughter, and her unwavering love will be missed more than words can say.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Virginia (nee. Ochs) Suttmiller; and her sister, Joan Kolp.

She is survived by her children, Gina (Kevin) Briney, Nick (Beth) Matracia, Eric (Kate) Matracia, Matt (Ashley) Matracia; her grandchildren, Emma, Jack, Austin, and Bailee; her brother-in-law, Jim Kolp; sister-in-law, Joyce Matracia; two nieces and one nephew. 

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at St. Timothy Church in Union, Kentucky at 12:00pm with a reception to follow.

She is now back where her heart has always been — by Ray’s side.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barb’s memory to the American Cancer Society.