Lola Dee Mathews (Fike) departed this life on April 21st, 2026, in Newport, Arkansas, after an almost three-year battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Lola was born in Evansville, Indiana, on October 6th, 1958, and graduated from Benjamin Bose High School in the class of 1976.
Lola started a family on October 19th, 1980, with her best friend, Edward J Mathews, in Shawneetown, Illinois. They welcomed their first child together in 1985 and their last in 1990 to complete their family and begin their adventures. Lola spent her life traveling the country with her husband, Ed, setting up carnivals and fairs for thousands of families to enjoy.
Lola loved being outside and had her coffee every morning, watching the birds and enjoying the peace before her grandson would arrive. More than anything, Lola loved her family and enjoyed every second she got with her grandsons, especially.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her faithful terrier companion of 16 years, Brutus, and her loving husband of 34 years. She is survived by her son, James (Kelby) Mathews of Tuckerman, and her grandsons, Jason Mcannally and Bentley Mathews; as well as a lifetime of family and friends.
No arrangements will be held per Lola’s wishes. She also wanted special thanks given to her oncologist, Scott Dorroh, and his team at the NEA Cancer Center.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home
