Lisa Mathews

1964 - 2017

March 8, 1964 ~ April 13, 2017
After a courageous battle with cancer, Lisa Erickson Mathews, age 53, passed away peacefully in her Orem, Utah, home surrounded by her loved ones on April 13, 2017. Lisa, the oldest of 7 children of Kent and Polly Erickson, was born in Logan, Utah, on March 8, 1964.
Lisa was raised in Smoot, Wyoming, on a large, family-operated dairy farm, where she learned the work ethic she displayed throughout her life. She was an all-around athlete, dancer, and cheerleader at Star Valley High School, where she graduated in 1982. She earned All-State Honors in both basketball and volleyball. She continued her studies at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho), earning an Associates Degree. It was at Ricks where she met her husband, Kurt Mathews. Lisa and Kurt developed a strong friendship before she moved on to BYU in Provo. Lisa and Kurt began dating and were married October 18, 1985. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. Both graduated from Southern Utah State College (now SUU) in 1988. Prior to her senior year, Lisa was playing intramural volleyball and was "discovered" by the volleyball coach and asked to try out. Not only did she make the team, but she started every game in her only season of eligibility. It was wonderful to see Lisa play competitively at the collegiate level.
Family meant the world to Lisa. Her greatest joy was raising her two sons Marcus and Mitch. She and Kurt centered their lives around their boys' activities and sporting events, from Little League through college and the NFL. Lisa loved being a Grandma "Mum" to Christian and Charlotte, her grandchildren, and she took every opportunity to spend time with them. She was especially grateful for her current and soon to be daughters-in-law, Hayden and Madie. As the oldest of the Erickson Clan, she was often the organizer of family reunions where she reveled in her siblings' laughter and craziness as they played games together.
Lisa's zest for life touched on many areas. She worked as a personal and group fitness instructor and manager for at least 35 years. She was passionate about her own as well as her clients' fitness and nutrition. She developed an interest in running and completed a marathon as well as running yearly with friends in the Hood to Coast Relay. Lisa loved to cook and provide food and treats to family and friends. She will be fondly remembered for her many delicious baked goods, but particularly her banana-chocolate chip cookies. Lisa and her mom shared a love for family and ancient history. She loved documentaries, museums, and could often be found reading Archaeology magazines.
Lisa was a faithful, lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she served as Primary President, Relief Society President and Instructor as well as Advisor in the Young Women's Organization.
Lisa is survived by her husband Kurt, her sons Marcus and Mitch, her grandchildren Christian and Charlotte, her parents Polly and Kent Erickson, brothers Joshua and Caleb Erickson, sisters Angela Muir, Landra Broadhead, Kristen Combe, and Kathryn Constandse and grandmother Hazel Leavitt. Lisa was preceded in death by her grandparents Ernest and Sylvia Reeves and Max Erickson and her dear Aunt Janis Reeves.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating gently used handbags to Lisa's "Passion Project" at Treehouse Athletic Club (TAC) in Draper, Utah. The staff at TAC fills the bags with personal hygiene supplies that are then provided to homeless women. To donate call the club at (801) 553-0123 and ask for Anne Marie or Kendra.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Heatheridge Stake Center Relief Society Room at 450 E 2000 N, Orem, Utah from 8:30-10:30 am on Saturday, April 22, 2017. This will be followed by a Memorial Service in the Chapel from 11:00 am-12:30 pm. The grave dedication ceremony will be held for family at the Orem City Cemetery following the Memorial Service.
Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed to the family at ww.uvfuneral.com.