Ruth Lewis, 99

Ruth Lewis, 99, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the Mason Nursing Home in Warsaw, Ind. She was born on Nov. 4, 1913 to Ira and Sarah (Foreman) Franklin on a farm south of Three Rivers on Roys Road. Ruth was one of nine children. She lived in the Three Rivers area all of her life with the exception of four years in Jamestown, N.Y. (1932-1936). On March 14, 1931 she married her “one and only” Warren Eliel Lewis in Centreville. They had a loving, long life together until he went to be with the Lord in 1998.

During her life she brought into the world a daughter, Etta (Lewis) Griffin of Three Rivers and a son, Robert Lewis of Warsaw, Ind. Ruth was a devout Christian and taught her children to put God first in their lives. She also taught many other children during her years of teaching Sunday School. She not only taught people to accept Christ, she lived the gospel she taught and loved God dearly, reading her Bible and praying daily for her family and others.

She was a very active member since childhood of the Full Gospel Assembly, renamed First Assembly of God and then New Hope Assembly. She played the piano, clarinet and organ along with singing in duets over the years in their music program. She also was an active member of the Women’s Missionary Group who faithfully supported foreign missions.

She was always available to family and friends, cooked many delicious family meals and helped take care of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was loved by her family, friends and all who met her.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Etta Griffin and son Bob (Sharlene) Lewis; grandchildren, Doug (Beth) Griffin, David (Kathy) Griffin, Kathy (Tony) Sampson, Vaughn (Rossie) Latham, Andy Latham, Ben (Nicole) Latham; 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Pauline Jones and Betty Weese; brother, Giles (Kathy) Franklin; many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband; parents; sisters, Edna Mullett and Beulah McKee; brothers, Gerald Franklin, Ellis Franklin and Paul Franklin.

A memorial service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Newberg (on the corner of Patterson Rd. and Born St., west of Three Rivers) with Pastor Mike Owen officiating. There will be no graveside service as a private burial took place on June 17 at Moorepark Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2004 Ironwood Circle, Suite 140, South Bend, IN 46635.