Carol Lorraine Mathews

December 8, 1939 – July 15, 2026

"A loving mother, a gentle soul, and a beautiful example of unconditional love."

Carol Lorraine Mathews, 86, of Zillah, Washington, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026.

Carol was born on December 8, 1939, in Toppenish, Washington, to Lauren Strawn and Lucy White Strawn. She was raised in the close-knit farming community of Parker, where she learned the values that guided her throughout her life-faith, kindness, hard work, and an unwavering love for family. She attended Parker Elementary School and graduated from Wapato High School with the Class of 1957.

In June 1957, Carol married the love of her life, William Leroy Mathews. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion, sharing 47 wonderful years of marriage until Bill's passing. They raised their family in Parker, Washington, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, compassion, and unconditional love. They were blessed with two daughters, Sherry Lorraine Bushman and Candy Lea Stump, who remained the center of Carol's heart throughout her life.

Carol's greatest joy was caring for those she loved. She had a rare gift for making others feel safe, welcomed, and deeply loved. Her gentle spirit, quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering compassion touched everyone who knew her. Whether through a warm smile, a listening ear, or a simple act of kindness, Carol made the world a better place for those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love. You taught us well.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Sherry Lorraine Bushman and her husband, Raymond Bushman, and Candy Lea Stump; her cherished grandchildren, Nathan Ray Bushman (Amanda), Rachel Jean Bushman (Daniel), Daniel Aaron Bushman (Sarai), Jasmine Starr Mathews Stump (Ryan), and Cameron Michael Mathews Stump (Alexis); and her eleven precious great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, William Leroy Mathews; her loving parents, Lauren Strawn and Lucy White Strawn; and her brother, Lauren Strawn Jr.

Her family also finds comfort in Jehovah's promise recorded at Revelation 21:4:

"And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more. Neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away"