Funeral Services for Autumn Matthews, age 6, of O'Neill, NE will be 10:30 AM Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Word of Life Christian Center in O'Neill. Rev. Jim Loutzenhiser and Rev. Mike Durre will officiate. Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM Wednesday at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill, with a 6 PM Prayer Service. Autumn passed away on April 9, 2021 at Children's Hospital in Omaha, NE. Memorials may be given to the family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary of O'Neill.

Autumn Dorothy Matthews was born July 17, 2014 in O'Neill, Nebraska to Jessie and Grace (Tuttle) Matthews. At 4 months old, she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Beginning at 7 months old, Autumn became an important part of a clinical trial to help find a treatment. Through this trial, an important medication was approved for children with SMA that has saved many children's lives. Because of this trial, and children like Autumn, parents of children with SMA will no longer be told that their children have mere months to live, they can expect normal, happy lives.

Though her body betrayed her, Autumn's mind was bright. She loved all the things that children do; Disney movies, music, dancing, shopping, fishing, her iPad, and especially being a big sister. Autumn was full of love and joy and a slight bit a sass!

Autumn is survived by her parents, Jessie and Grace Matthews and little brother, Archer Matthews of O'Neill; grandparents, Mary Matthews of O'Neill, Robert Gartner of Chambers, Galen (Linda) Tuttle of Chambers, Patricia (Doug) Simons on Atkinson, Roxanne Rustemeyer of Chambers; aunts and uncles, Cody Gartner of O'Neill, Melisa (Kaine) McClelland of Lincoln, Peter (Kayla) Tuttle of Great Falls, Montana, Robby Gartner of Chambers, Brittany (Josh) Boettcher of Spencer, Chrystal Gartner of Atkinson; many cousins, extended family, and friends.