Ruby Nell Lewis

Ruby Nell Peel Lewis, nearing 96 years this November 2026, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her beloved children and their families, in her Montgomery, Alabama, home—the “house that love built.” She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Dr. Frank S. Lewis, Jr., the love of her life, who preceded her in death in April 2017.

Born and raised in Montgomery’s mill village of Boylston, Ruby Nell met Frank on a blind date while attending Montevallo College for Women in Alabama, beginning a beautiful love story and the foundation of their family. They married on September 17, 1955, at the Gunter Air Force Base Chapel in Montgomery.

Together, they lovingly raised their four children while traveling to military bases throughout the United States. Along the way, they guided their children through scouting, church activities, family outings, and countless adventures, creating treasured memories that last a lifetime.

Ruby Nell was a gifted seamstress who lovingly made clothes for her daughters and even their dolls. She also had a special talent for flower arranging, sharing her artistry through many craft shows and festivals. A devoted homemaker, she and Frank created a warm, welcoming home filled with love, beauty, and cherished family traditions.

Following Frank’s retirement from the USAF, the family settled in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Throughout their lives, Ruby Nell and Frank remained active in their churches, instilling in their children a strong, enduring faith in the Lord. In the 1970s, Ruby Nell became the first secretary of Mary Esther United Methodist Church in Mary Esther, Florida, a position she dearly loved.

After retirement, Ruby Nell and Frank returned to their Montgomery roots. She volunteered at Baptist East Hospital, and together they served as reading tutors at Flowers Elementary School in Montgomery.

As their children, we are especially grateful for the enduring love and closeness of our extended families on both the Lewis and Peel sides. Mother and Daddy cherished these bonds throughout their lives, keeping family connections strong through memories, reunions, visits, celebrations, and loving support across generations. These treasured relationships enriched their lives and continue to mean so much to us and our families. We are deeply thankful for the love that has always united our families and remains such a meaningful part of their legacy.

Following Frank’s passing, Ruby Nell found great joy in living with and visiting family members, sharing precious time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These years gave us treasured opportunities to love on her, care for her, and make beautiful memories together.

Ruby Nell is lovingly survived by her four children: Leslie Lewis Sintes/Pete (Fort Walton Beach, FL); Lee Anne Lewis Blackwell/Jeff (Pelham, AL); Laurie Lewis Pate/Ben (Perry, GA); and David Lewis/Marian (Knoxville, TN).

She and Frank dearly loved and were so proud of their six grandchildren and their families: Ryan Pate, Allen James Pate, Aurora (Spencer) Butler, Jonathan Sintes, Erin (Rob) Logan, and Eli (Abby) Lewis. Together, they shared immeasurable joy in loving their seven great-grandchildren, each bringing special happiness to their lives.

Her children are forever grateful for the extraordinary love and compassionate care provided over the years by their dear, close-to-family caregiver, Aretha Harris, whose devotion meant so much to Mother and the entire Lewis family. We are equally thankful for the compassionate hospice care Ruby Nell received in her final days.

Our family is deeply touched by the enduring love, prayers, and support of friends from Mary Esther Methodist Church in Florida and Perry Hill Methodist Church in Montgomery, whose kindness has meant so much throughout the years.

Funeral arrangements have been made with Leak Memory Chapel, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Perry Hill Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36109. For questions, please contact the church at 334-272-3174.