Mary Louise Lewis

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Lewis, 88, died peacefully on June 29 after a short illness.

She was born on July 18, 1930, in Butler, to Merle F. McAnallen and Hazel Wimer.

She lived at 644 New Castle St. most of her adult life until moving to Concordia’s senior living in Cabot in 2011.

Mary Louise McAnallen married Leon L. Lewis on Aug. 26, 1949, and enjoyed 67-plus years of love and companionship until his death in 2017.

Mary Lou was known for her ready smile, her infectious laugh, her giving nature, and her deep love of family, friends and her church.

She served as a deacon, elder and member of the board for a number of years at the Oak Hills Christian Church. She volunteered for the Visiting Nurses Hospice Services for over 25 years.

Mary Lou was the linchpin of the Lewis-McAnallen clan, always keeping in touch, being there to provide support, and becoming a surrogate parent and grandparent to many of her nieces and nephews and their children over the years. She provided comfort, wisdom and stability, along with large doses of chocolate, cookies, popcorn balls and ice cream. She was the quintessential grandmother to all.

Mary Lou raised three children and helped to raise and love eight grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. She was a devoted daughter and sister, loving wife, treasured mother, beloved grandmother, favorite aunt and best friend.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Lesley Lewis and wife, Nancy Ritter Lewis, of Lexington Ky.; a daughter, Vicki Lewis Eicher and husband, Don, of Downingtown, Pa.; and a son, Lynn Lewis and wife, Jodi Nace Lewis, of Chardon, Ohio.

Mary Lou had eight grandchildren, Bryan Lewis, Geoffrey Lewis, Evan Lewis, Kristin Ramsey, Beth Schaffer, Jodie Winkler, Michael Lewis and Stephen Lewis; 11 great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Leon L. Lewis; their son, Bryan Lee Lewis; and her four brothers, Lawrence McAnallen, Heyward McAnallen, William McAnallen and Victor McAnallen.

LEWIS — Family and friends of Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Lewis, who died Saturday, June 29, 2019, will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon Saturday at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler, with the Rev. Ty Sabella officiating.

Private burial will take place later in Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Visiting Nurses Association, Western PA, Hospice Program, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001.

Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.