Kathleen ""Kathy Ann Lewis

Kathy met the love of her life, Jerry Lewis, during college at UNC in 1967. Life to that point had been difficult for Kathy. Her grandparents, Chris and Frank Beck, were her strong hold growing up.

Jerry & Kathy began their married life together in 1968. Then decided to start a family during a vacation to Banff, Canada where they were struck by the beauty of those mountains.

Kathy was characterized by her kind, meek, and patient temperament. Kathy had a beautiful smile and kindness for all who crossed her path. She put God and family first and made ordinary accomplishments seem like major achievements. Kathy made all who knew her feel special and unique.

Tammy was the firstborn child followed by Daniel a couple years later. Tammy tested Kathy’s patience in every way a daughter can. One memorable “test” involved Tammy’s high-top shoes that were not only her favorite but delayed all family trips by at least fifteen minutes for Tammy to tie herself. This was the event where the affectionate nickname “turtle” began for Kathy’s daughter. Tammy began to say “Remember the turtle loves you” when parting ways and Kathy would always respond “Remember I love the turtle”. This tradition continued until Kathy’s last day. The love between this mother and daughter was extraordinary; a gift from God for both.

Kathy’s passion in life was her family. She poured herself into raising her children God’s way, instilling Christian morals and values into her children. Every week the family attended the SDA church together with Tammy and Daniel often wearing a beautifully tailored dress and suit lovingly crafted by their mother. She taught Sabbath School, Vacation Bible School, and practically ran a taxi service for Tammy and Daniel to attend a variety of after-school activities. Tammy and Daniel took gymnastics, swimming, and archery classes together. They both loved the pool and an adjacent library. Kathy spent countless hours sitting in the library with a swimsuit under her clothes then slathering squirmy kids with sunscreen. A particularly great memory of Tammy’s is all the gymnastics meets and workouts her mom attended to cheer her on and feed her when she was finished. There was also fundraising to earn scholarships to camp. Kathy’s hands would turn white from cold but she would soldier on to earn camp opportunities for her kids.

Tammy went to Campion at age fourteen as a scared teenager. She was often homesick. Kathy would drive all the way to Campion often to encourage Tammy. Evidence of how special this relationship was can be seen by how Tammy would call her mom to ask permission before doing any “deviant” teenager things. Kathy was able to prevent any real problems from arising but grant her permission for good kid fun.

Later in life Tammy would talk to her mom every morning on the way to work and for marathon talking sessions a couple times a week. They spent countless hours on the phone together and always cherished the time they spent with one another. Kathy was with her daughter when she met her husband. Kathy was a protective mother. It took a while, but her son-in-law won her over. Tammy attempted to follow in her mother’s footsteps by making her own bridesmaid dresses. Kathy fortunately stepped in to the disaster that was Tammy’s attempt at combining patterns and freestyling formal dresses. Tammy is not the seamstress her mother was… Kathy took Tammy to the fabric store and they began again, together. Tammy learned a lot from the process. The resulting dresses were the most beautiful dresses Tammy could imagine. They were straight out of her childhood dreams of her wedding day.

Daniel married and started his own family. Kathy’s grandson, Benjamin James Lewis, was her most cherished life highlight. Benjamin loved his grandmother with the perfect love that only comes from a child and God. She planned his birthday and Christmas presents all year and would hold him tight when they would see each other.

Kathy enjoyed her work, first as a mother then later as a communications technician. She loved helping people. Explaining how cell phones work to frustrated people. Folks would be at their wits end with their “devices”. Kathy would gently walk them through the steps and by the end of the call they would be friends. She even had more patience than her daughter with cell phones!

Kathy was thankful for her family. Her family loved this great woman more than there are words to describe.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband Jerry, and devoted children Tammy (David) Lucas of Brighton and Daniel (Sarah) Lewis of San Diego, CA.

Beloved sister of Michael Field, Anthony “Tony” Field, Laura Field, Nancy White and Linda Linn.

Adoring grandmother of Benjamin James Lewis.

She was preceded in death by parents Patricia Beck and Raymond Saul.

A memorial service will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1002 21st Ave, Greeley on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

To my best friend, the bright spot in my day, Remember the turtle loves you.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.