Ora S. "Orie" Mato, 94, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Elkhart on July 23, 1930, to the late Michael and Viola (Misner) Mato.

Orie is also preceded in death by his son, Michael Mato. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Janet "Jan" K. (Pritchard) Mato; children, Joe Mato, Cathy (Larry) Barnett, Laura (Pete) Zoeller; stepchildren, Holly Alexander, Jay (Amy) Alexander, and Gina (Doug) Alexander-Rice; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 226 W. Lexington Ave. Elkhart, IN. A service will take place following visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Terri Peterson officiating. Orie will be laid to rest at St. John's the Evangelist Episcopal Columbarium Towers with Military honors and Masonic services to be rendered. Billings Funeral Home was entrusted by his family to care for Orie's arrangements. Memorial donations may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765 Atlanta, GA 30394; St. John's the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 226 W Lexington Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516; and Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Pl, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

He was a generous and hardworking man. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1950 and served proudly in the United States Air Force. He was a member of St. John's the Evangelist Episcopal Church for many years and was also part of the Kane #183 Masonic Lodge. Orie worked as a truck driver for many years for Bendix prior to retiring.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially during family gatherings and holidays. When he could, he loved traveling the United States and parts of Europe with Jan. Orie was an avid reader and would challenge himself to read a book a week. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and many friends.