Esther J. Lewis

Esther was born March 14, 1917 in Pukwana, South Dakota, to George and Mary Baker. Esther attended school in Brule County, before moving to Harrah, Washington where she attended 2nd through 8th grade. In lieu of high school Esther worked in a local grocery store to support her parents, after a tragic work accident left her Dad unable to provide. Esther met her husband, Gene Lewis, through her friends (and Gene’s sisters) Jeanette and Bernice Lewis, they all attended the Brethren Church in Harrah, Washington. Esther and Gene were married December 23, 1933 and resided in Brownstown. They lived in Zillah and then moved to Yakima for most of her life. Esther worked in the fruit packing apples and peaches for 22 years, before becoming the Packing Boss for Pyramid Warehouse for 27 years, working a total of 47 years, retiring in 1980. Esther was a much loved Mom and Grandmother. Esther loved her poodle dogs and she enjoyed attending, birthday parties, holidays, many events and functions for all her family.

Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Jackie Lewis, granddaughters, Peggy Owens (Dean), Cora Heid (Mark), Belinda Kepner (Ross), 10 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren, and nephew George and Beverly Schantz.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents George and Mary Baker, her husband Gene Lewis, sons Larry and Darrell, 1 brother and 4 sisters.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2016 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 2 at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Esther, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.