Sheila Kay Matthews

Sheila Kay Matthews, age 74, passed from this world on October 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Sheila was born in Ada on May 4, 1952.

To know Sheila was to know kindness, generosity, and a smile that could brighten any room. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and an unforgettable laugh. She loved life and had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel special.

Sheila married Gary Matthews on March 12, 1971, and together they shared 50 years of marriage until his passing on March 14, 2021. They were partners not only in life but also in business. Sheila worked alongside Gary for many years in the oil and gas production industry before beginning a new chapter with the Chickasaw Nation in 2000. She dedicated 26 years of service to the Chickasaw Nation, retiring earlier this month.

Sheila gave freely of her time, love, and resources, often more than she could afford. If someone needed help, she was there, even when it meant going without herself. Her generosity was simply part of who she was.

She believed life was meant to be celebrated. Birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings were never ordinary occasions when Sheila was involved. There was always plenty of food, laughter, and room for one more person. She loved spoiling her children and grandchildren and creating memories they would carry with them forever.

Many of those memories were made at concerts, on family trips, and through countless adventures. Sheila loved music, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She never wanted anyone to be left out. Friends, nieces, nephews, and extended family were always welcome, and she often made sure everyone could come along, even if it meant paying their way.

Of all the roles she held in life, being "Nanna" was among her greatest joys. She loved her grandchildren with her whole heart and was their biggest supporter and greatest cheerleader. Even throughout her battle with cancer, she continued showing up for ballgames, team ropings, and the moments that mattered to them. Her love was not simply spoken; it was demonstrated in the way she was always there.

Sheila was intelligent, witty, strong, and full of personality. She had a natural ability to bring people together, make them laugh, and turn ordinary moments into lasting memories.

Since her passing, stories shared by friends and members of the community have reflected the lasting impression she made on so many lives. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her generous spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Sheila is survived by her daughter, Sheryl and husband Jack Goodson; her son, Kanan and wife Tasha Matthews; her beloved grandchildren, Chad Goodson and wife Keisha, Cole Goodson and wife Amber, Bodrey Goodson and fiancée Jaelee Korzan, Lilly Matthews, Gus Matthews, Jake Matthews, and Karson Standridge; her great-grandchildren, Brogen Goodson and wife Ryleigh, Khloe Goodson, and Eden Goodson; her sisters, Debbie and husband Kenny Cundiff, and Paula and husband Larry Colbert; her stepsister, Jerri Starns and husband Frank; her stepbrother, Mark Prentice; along with special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Gary Matthews; her mother, Kattie Yount Prentice; her father, Buddy Yount; and her stepfather, Benny Prentice.

While her family will deeply miss her laughter, her smile, and the comfort of her presence, they will forever cherish the love she gave and the memories they shared.

Her legacy will live on in every family gathering, every act of generosity, every celebration made special, and every memory shared with laughter.

She gave so much of herself to others, and in doing so, she leaves behind a lifetime of love.

Serving as pallbearers will be Sheila's grandsons and nephew, Chad Goodson, Cole Goodson, Bodrey Goodson, Jake Matthews, Gus Matthews, and Jax Watkins. Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews, John Cundiff, Adam Colbert, Justin Colbert, Chad Colbert, Jason Watkins, Brent Phillips, and Karson Standridge.

A service celebrating Sheila's life will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Allen High School Auditorium in Allen, Oklahoma. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 26, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Criswell Funeral Home.