Mrs. Lola Ruth Shoemaker Earwood, age 83, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Lola was born January 14, 1943, in Dalton, Georgia, a daughter of the late Willie Otto “Bill”Vall and Ethel Inez Lewellen. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe and Joann Shoemaker, John and Joann Shoemaker, and Jerry Shoemaker; and her niece, Sharon Campbell.

Lola attended Valley Point High School and retired from Patcraft Mills. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church.

Lola was raised with four brothers, and growing up with them taught her early in life to be strong, independent, and able to fend for herself. She was a hard-working woman who never shied away from doing what needed to be done, and she loved her family with all her heart.

Her greatest love story began years ago while she was “dragging Main” on Hamilton Street in downtown Dalton, back when cruising the streets and people-watching were a favorite pastime. The first time Lola laid eyes on Danny Earwood, she told her best friend, “That is the man I’m going to marry.” She was right. On March 18, 2026, Lola and Danny celebrated sixty-six years of marriage—a beautiful testament to a lifetime of love, devotion, friendship, and family.

Danny was the love of Lola’s life, and her family was her greatest treasure. She cherished her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many special friends who became family along the way. She took great pride in the people she loved and was happiest when she was surrounded by them.

Lola was also a woman of remarkable courage. When faced with her cancer diagnosis, she met it with strength and bravery. She faced the difficult days with determination and, true to the independent woman she had always been, took charge of her own final arrangements. She wanted things handled her way and made those decisions herself, demonstrating the same courage, strength, and practicality that had guided her throughout her life. Even in the face of cancer, Lola remained focused on the people she loved and on making things easier for her family.

She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and the love of her family to carry her memory forward. She is survived by her beloved husband, Danny Earwood of the residence; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Dwight Souther of Dawnville, GA; grandsons, Brandon and Jessica Brown, and Daniel Roberson; great-grandchildren, Hunter Brown, River Roberson, and Addison Brown; bonus grandchildren, Shannon and Jason Boyd and Ginger and Ray Figg; brother and sisters-in-law, Gene and Barbara Shoemaker of Rainbow, AL, and Shirley Shoemaker of Cleveland, GA; nephews and nieces, Robert and Gwen Shoemaker, Jeff and Andrea Shoemaker, Debra Kenemer, Carmella and Luis Garcia, and Melissa and Mark Potter; and special friends, Ann Queen, Ruth Painter, Pat Cape, Linda Long, and Sandra Jamison.

Those who knew Lola will remember her for her strength, her hard work, her independence, her courage, and most of all, the deep love she had for Danny and her family. Her 66 years of marriage were a reflection of the love she carried in her heart, and the family she leaves behind will forever treasure the life they shared with her.

Services to celebrate the life of Lola Ruth Shoemaker Earwood will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Billy Willis and Reverend Ronald Guffey officiating. She will be laid to rest at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens. Brandon Brown, Addison Brown, Daniel Roberson, River Roberson, Jeff Shoemaker, and Hunter Brown will be honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Sunday and after 11:00 a.m. Monday until the service hour.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721, (706) 226-4002.