Laurel Lea Lewis
December 18, 1927 — April 14, 2017
Laurel Lea Lewis, our beloved aunt and sister-in-law, went home to be with the Lord on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, at the age of 89. A Celebration of Laurel’s Life will be held from 9:00 -11:00 a.m., at the Center Point United Methodist Church, Saturday, April 22, with service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial: Spring Grove Cemetery, Covington, Iowa. Arrangements made by Murdoch Funeral Home, Center Point.
Laurel Lea was born December 18, 1927 to Samuel Benton and Jessie Leone (Rawson) Lewis, at home in Covington, Iowa. Laurel was baptized May 6, 1928, at the Evangelical Church in Covington by Rev. Clarence E. Davis. Her family moved to Center Point in 1929. She attended the Center Point School, enjoyed playing basketball and graduated in 1945. She accepted the Lord as her personal Savior in her teens and became a Sunday school teacher, Superintendent, Youth Leader, church pianist and organist, retiring from those positions in 2012. Her favorite Scriptures were Psalms 100, John 3:16 and Psalms 23. Over 70 years of faithful service to her church, she also audited church books, was active in the United Methodist Woman’s group, the “In Gathering”, and the “Sparrow Ministry.”
Laurel Lea started her working career as a Mother’s Helper then became a secretary at the Linn County Nursery. She was also a bookkeeper for Sam Lewis & Son and McNeil’s Grocery store in Center Point. Her 40 year banking career began at Walker State Bank, Walker, Iowa. Laurel Lea had an opportunity to work in California for three and a half years for First National of San Mateo County in Belmont, California. She finished her banking career after 35 years of service to the Linn County State Bank, Coggon, Iowa.
Laurel Lea enjoyed the Community Singers group for over 40 years. Bowling Leagues starting in Coggon, and then Walker, were enjoyed by her for 20 years of State Tournament Competition and several trophies later.
At retirements, she joined a group called “Open Arms”, a community organization. Monthly meetings, potlucks and many trips were taken to such places as the Eisenhower, Truman and Ford Libraries. She enjoyed her retirement with friends and family gatherings. Her family affectionately called her Aunt Lea. She enjoyed a card game called Hand and Foot. She was a wonderful role model to emulate. Her favorite pass time was reading novels and studying her Bible. Her giving heart gave to many charities in her lifetime. To have known her was to love her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Leone Lewis; sister, Collette (Lewis) Frederick and husband, Leo; and two brothers, Lyle Lewis and Sam Lewis, Jr.
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Dolores Lewis; three nieces, Doretta, Sheri and Jane; four nephews, Rodney, Joel, Jon and Jeff; 16 great-nieces and nephews; and nine great-great nieces and nephews.
The Lewis family would like to personally thank Unity Point Hospice and Essence of Life Hospice for taking precious care of our aunt and sister-in-law. A Special thank you goes to Taylor Hilmo for helping us in her final hours.
Condolences and memorials may be sent to Doretta Kunz, 114 S. West Street, North English, Iowa 52316. If you wish to send memorial gifts to your favorite charity in Laurel’s honor, please let us know also.
Please share a memory of Laurel Lea at www.murdochfuneral.com under obituaries.
Laurel Lea was born December 18, 1927 to Samuel Benton and Jessie Leone (Rawson) Lewis, at home in Covington, Iowa. Laurel was baptized May 6, 1928, at the Evangelical Church in Covington by Rev. Clarence E. Davis. Her family moved to Center Point in 1929. She attended the Center Point School, enjoyed playing basketball and graduated in 1945. She accepted the Lord as her personal Savior in her teens and became a Sunday school teacher, Superintendent, Youth Leader, church pianist and organist, retiring from those positions in 2012. Her favorite Scriptures were Psalms 100, John 3:16 and Psalms 23. Over 70 years of faithful service to her church, she also audited church books, was active in the United Methodist Woman’s group, the “In Gathering”, and the “Sparrow Ministry.”
Laurel Lea started her working career as a Mother’s Helper then became a secretary at the Linn County Nursery. She was also a bookkeeper for Sam Lewis & Son and McNeil’s Grocery store in Center Point. Her 40 year banking career began at Walker State Bank, Walker, Iowa. Laurel Lea had an opportunity to work in California for three and a half years for First National of San Mateo County in Belmont, California. She finished her banking career after 35 years of service to the Linn County State Bank, Coggon, Iowa.
Laurel Lea enjoyed the Community Singers group for over 40 years. Bowling Leagues starting in Coggon, and then Walker, were enjoyed by her for 20 years of State Tournament Competition and several trophies later.
At retirements, she joined a group called “Open Arms”, a community organization. Monthly meetings, potlucks and many trips were taken to such places as the Eisenhower, Truman and Ford Libraries. She enjoyed her retirement with friends and family gatherings. Her family affectionately called her Aunt Lea. She enjoyed a card game called Hand and Foot. She was a wonderful role model to emulate. Her favorite pass time was reading novels and studying her Bible. Her giving heart gave to many charities in her lifetime. To have known her was to love her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Leone Lewis; sister, Collette (Lewis) Frederick and husband, Leo; and two brothers, Lyle Lewis and Sam Lewis, Jr.
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Dolores Lewis; three nieces, Doretta, Sheri and Jane; four nephews, Rodney, Joel, Jon and Jeff; 16 great-nieces and nephews; and nine great-great nieces and nephews.
The Lewis family would like to personally thank Unity Point Hospice and Essence of Life Hospice for taking precious care of our aunt and sister-in-law. A Special thank you goes to Taylor Hilmo for helping us in her final hours.
Condolences and memorials may be sent to Doretta Kunz, 114 S. West Street, North English, Iowa 52316. If you wish to send memorial gifts to your favorite charity in Laurel’s honor, please let us know also.
Please share a memory of Laurel Lea at www.murdochfuneral.com under obituaries.
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