Eleanor Mae Lewis

YAKIMA - Eleanor Lewis, an amazing partner/wife, mother, grandmother, and business owner,

died peacefully on December 22nd at 90. Eleanor was born to Arnold Roach and Elma Blevins on May 23, 1932, in Yakima, WA. Eleanor was the third and middle-born of five children;

Virginia, Buck, Anne, and Don. Those early years were filled with adventure living the rural life in Wide Hollow. She graduated from Yakima High School in 1950 and was very involved in high

school life, including; Pep Club, Library Club, choir, Pirate Lassies, after-school sports, and girls'

sports council.

Eleanor went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Melvin Lewis. She worked, as did Mel, to financially navigate the college years while starting their family with the eldest two boys, Roland and Ron, then adding Scott and Rodney to round out the busy family of four boys.

The family was fortunate enough to log many of their early years at their cabin on Lake

Mayfield, which Eleanor designed, as well as with extended family on Lake Coeur D’Alene and, in more recent years, at their Cle Elum area home.

Eleanor was a gracious and generous person. She loved celebrating holidays, especially the

Christmas season, with an abundance of gifts and holiday flair; even having her home on the

Yakima Holiday Home Tour for several years. She and Mel created an oasis for grandkids by adding a pool, providing swim lessons, and creating a warm and welcoming place at home and on family vacations to gather, play and enjoy.

She was the ultimate caregiver for her children, grandchildren, and Mel, with whom she shared

60 years of marriage until his passing at 80. During the last couple of years of Mel’s life, he wanted to continue meeting with friends for Bible Study Fellowship. With Parkinson's, it became difficult to do the reading and prepare. She did the lessons with him, so he felt comfortable and prepared to join in on the meetings with friends.

Eleanor had a meaningful life outside the family, working for many years at DeAnn’s Dress Shop and Mellottes Western Outfitters until she started her own business, Eleanor’s 5th Avenue, a home interior, gift, and antique shop on 5th Ave. Eleanor’s 5th Avenue was a place of joy and pride for those years.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Mel Lewis, and eldest son Roland Lewis. She is survived by; her sons and their spouses, Rodney and Ellen Lewis, both of Yakima, Ron and

Connie Lewis of Renton, and Scott and Julie Lewis of Seattle; Roland’s widow, Parnthong Thayida Lewis; brother and wife, Buck and Ruth Roach of Yuma; sister and husband, Anne and Harold (HOB) Bourne of Milwaukee; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Eleanor loved her family well. She always retained her sharp mind, great humor, and love of watching sports, especially Gonzaga Basketball. She passed away watching the college football Armed Forces Bowl. Her family would like to thank her caregivers at Blossom Place, who have taken great care of her. Eleanor has been a strong and wise matriarch for the family, especially in these last ten years after the passing of Mel; she was a blessing.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 10th, at Keith and Keith Funeral Home from 4-8 pm concluding with a Family Graveside service on January 11th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Prime Time.