Linda K. Matthews, age 67, of Newark, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at her home with her nieces, Tina Nichols, Valerie Holland, and Audrey Tolle, and great-niece, Virgie Mitchell, and great-nephew, Beckham Nichols, by her side.

She is also survived by two brothers, Sonny (Virginia) Nichols of Washington Courthouse and James Nichols of Newark; a sister, Lori (Lewis) Allen of Newark; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews; good friend, Kathy Holbrook Patrick; and her precious four fur babies, Summer, Baby, Fancy, and Channel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Franklin Nichols and Audrey (Gibson) Nichols Pegan; five sisters, Martha (Emmett) Pelfrey, Virgie (Ronnie) Nichols Harmon, Pauline Tolle, Bonnie Nichols, and Robin (Henry) Gragg; three brothers, Albert Nichols, Bucky Nichols, and Rex Nichols. She will be reunited with her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Matthews. She was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Elliott and Ida (Collins) Gipson; paternal grandparents, Minnie Nichols and Sugar Grant Nichols; as well as four nephews, Ronnie Mitchell, James Robert Pegan, Jonathon Campbell, and Wayne Freeze; and four nieces, Minnie Elizabeth Pegan, Natoshia Pegan, Tammy Nichols, and Natasha Starkey.

Linda was born October 30, 1958 in Hillsboro, Ohio and was a graduate of Hillsboro High School. She loved Elvis, Indians, cooking, cleaning, and spending time outdoors. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Linda and her family.