Roberta Ray Matthews, known to family and friends as “Ray,” 82, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on August 24, 2026, in Shawnee.

Ray was born May 4, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas, to Woodrow Davis Robbins and Edith Mildred (Hart) Robbins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her sister, Margie Newnum; her brother, Jack Robbins; her son, Clayton Nelson; Clayton’s father, Alan Nelson; and her former husband, Jerry Matthews.

Ray is survived by her son, Jerry Matthews, Jr.; her granddaughter, Macy Nelson; and her brother, Howard Harris. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Paula Sue “Shorty” Loveless, Jack Richardson, Kenneth Richardson, Teresa Lee, Elaine Mullins, Chris Ann Matthews, Carey Matthews, and Cash Matthews, along with other nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

She also leaves behind her cousin, Sue Nelson; her sister-in-law, Rosie Nelson; her lifelong best friend, Ruth Ellen Franklin, and Ruth Ellen’s sons, Chuck West, Kirk West, and Rory West; as well as her dear church friends, Anita Roark, Chris Leetka, and Leinda Parsons.

Shawnee was home to Ray, and the people she loved were at the center of her life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who deeply treasured her family, her lifelong friendships, and the many relationships she built over the years.

Ray was especially grateful for the loving care Paula, whom she affectionately called “Shorty,” gave her in her later years and, most especially, near the end of her life. Ray loved Shorty like a daughter and took great comfort in knowing she was in the best of care.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Cohesive Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and care provided to Ray and her family.

A memorial service celebrating Ray’s life will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 1315 N. McKinley Ave., Shawnee, Oklahoma. A reception will follow at the church. All who knew and loved Ray are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.