Lea Ann Matthews

Lea Ann Matthews (Newlon), age 80, of Otsego, MN, peacefully went to her heavenly home on May 30, 2026. She was surrounded by loving family the entire day. She was born on December 27, 1945 in Moberly, MO to Emert and Leona "Mae" Newlon, with big brothers Larry and Lel. She started school in Fairfield, Iowa in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Crown Point High School, Indiana, in 1964. One day in high school she was at her locker when approached by the handsome, one-year older, back-up quarterback, Bob Matthews. She was a pom-pom girl, and he thought she was pretty cute! So he asked if she would help him run for student council president (the Gnu party, where "no gnus is good gnus"). He did not get elected, but he did win her heart! These high school sweethearts married in 1967 after attending the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 59 years of marriage. They raised their 3 children Debby, Greg and Mike in Stevens Point, WI from 1967 to 1986, with a short move to Townsend, MA from 1975 to 1978. They relocated to MN in 1986, promptly became members of Osseo United Methodist Church, and have lived in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Osseo and Otsego. After retirement, they enjoyed spending winters in Riverview, FL. Lea pursued a career as a church secretary, which was a perfect fit for her warm smile, kind heart, welcoming nature and friendly personality! The following churches were blessed by her organizational skills and enthusiasm for Jesus - St Paul's United Methodist (Stevens Point, WI), Aldersgate United Methodist (St Louis Park, MN), Christ Community Moravian (Maple Grove, MN) and Osseo United Methodist (Osseo, MN). She was the best daycare provider ever from 1994 to 1999 for her first grandchild Ashley. Her favorite role in life was being a grandma to Ashley, Ellie and Sam and a great-grandmother to Harper and Olivia. They fondly call her Mimi - a title which she wore proudly. Outside of work she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, golfing, fishing, traveling, playing games, and most of all - spending time with family and friends. She loved the Lord and shared her faith through Bible studies, women's retreats, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, praying, mentoring, knitting prayer shawls, volunteering, and countless other ways. Lea is survived by loving husband Robert Matthews; children Deborah Bienias (Mark), Greg Matthews and Michael Matthews; grandchildren Ashley Dohmen (Zach), Ellie and Samuel "Sam" Matthews; great-grandchildren Harper and Olivia; brother Larry Newlon: and many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Emert and Leona "Mae" Newlon, and her brother Lel Newlon, Sr. She will be deeply missed but will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Please join us at her Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 21 at Osseo United Methodist Church, 16 2nd Ave SE, Osseo, MN with visitation starting at 1:00pm, service at 2:00pm, and cake reception to follow. A private internment for family will be held at Open Gate Cemetery, Osseo, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a donation to Osseo United Methodist Church or CROSS Services (Christians Reaching Out in Social Services) in memory of Lea Matthews. If sending flowers, please request delivery to the church only on Friday afternoon, June 19. Kindly consider using Donato's Floral, Maple Grove, MN.

Lea Ann Matthews

December 27, 1945 - May 30, 2026

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