Maria Ann Lewis

On April 19, 2026, at 10:16 a.m., Maria Ann Lewis took her last breath and stepped into eternal peace at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. She was surrounded and held by her loving family and friends.

Though Maria’s passing leaves an ache that will always be felt, her life will be honored with a Celebration of Life for Maria Ann Lewis, age 53, of Bridgeport, Nebraska. The service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 2, 2026, at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport, where her life will be remembered with her favorite foods and ice cream—just as she would have wanted.

Maria was born on September 16, 1972, at Morrill County Veterans Memorial Hospital to Julian and Rosario (Avila) Sanchez. She attended Bridgeport Public Schools and graduated in 1990. She continued her education at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in finance in December 1998.

During her time in Laramie, Maria got married, and in December 1997, she welcomed her first son, Brennan J. Lewis, a moment that brought her deep and lasting love. In 2002, Maria and her family relocated to Rapid City, where her second son, Colby B. Lewis, was born in January 2005—further completing the family she cherished so deeply. Maria began working at Black Hills IP in March 2011, where she was a dedicated and highly valued employee for 15 years, meeting lifelong friends and taking great pride in what she did.

Maria had a deep love for crafting and creating, always finding pride in making something new. She enjoyed collecting books, keepsakes, and mementoes. She was especially devoted to her beloved dog, Nova, her cats, Chubbz and Claudz, and the many stray animals she took in and cared for over the years. From a young age, Maria was captivated by music, a passion that stayed with her throughout her life and led to many concerts and live performances. She was especially proud and honored to have two musicians of her own.

Above all, Maria held her family at the very center of her life and loved them with a deep, unconditional love that showed in everything she did. She treasured every opportunity to travel with her family and loved ones, discovering new places and creating meaningful memories that will be always cherished. Maria always put her family first, and her face would light up with the most beautiful, heartfelt smile whenever she was with them. She had a special way of filling every room with her presence through her lasting words and her unforgettable laughter that will be deeply missed.

Maria is survived by her sons, Brennan Lewis and Colby Lewis of Rapid City; her sisters, Deanna Berglund of Lead, and Caroline Sanchez of Bridgeport; her nephew, Blaze Berglund; and her nieces, Delanie Berglund, Selene Dillon, Avery Dillon, and Sophia Sanchez.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents; her grandmother, Anita Hernandez; her grandfather, Joe Sanchez, and numerous other family members.

Her love, kindness, and creativity will live forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.