Betty Lewis' Obituary
Mary Elizabeth -Å"Betty- Lewis
August 10, 1922 -" November 7, 2012
Betty Lewis passed away peacefully on November 7, 2012 at Franciscan Hospice House in University Place. Betty was born in Olympia, Washington on August 10, 1922 to Ray and Frances Mallory. She grew up in the Olympia area where she met Bronson Lewis, her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 55 years.
Betty and Bronson were married on July 1, 1943 in Mineral Wells, Texas where he was stationed during WWII. After his service in the South Pacific, they settled in Olympia. Betty worked many years for the State Capital Department of Banking as a secretary. Their two children, Stephanie and Bronson Jr., were born in Olympia. Bronson Sr. became Chief Executive of the American Plywood Association in 1960 and they moved to Lakewood. Betty traveled extensively with Bronson during his career.
Being raised in the Puget Sound area, Betty's time was often spent boating with their family and friends. Betty's grandfather owned Olympia Sand & Gravel and piloted tugboats between Olympia and Seattle. As a child, she spent wonderful times with him on the tugboat, -Å"Sandman-, which he commissioned in 1910. Over the years, Betty continued to encourage and enjoy boating adventures with her children and grandchildren.
Betty and Bronson were avid golfers and members of the Oakbrook Golf & Country Club. She graciously hosted many family gatherings and events at the club. She also loved to play bridge and was a long-time member of two bridge groups in Lakewood. She would jokingly downplay her abilities in golf and bridge, but it was the friendships in these groups that she cherished the most.
Another special place was Betty and Bronson's condominium at Little Creek Cove in Oregon. Here they often welcomed family and friends for a few days on the beach and a round of golf at the local golf course. The family holds fond memories of time spent at the ocean and we will always think of her when we return to Little Creek.
Betty's family was her greatest joy. She was a generous and thoughtful mother and grandmother. She would go the extra mile to help and care for her family, at whatever cost. She taught us to do the same for our families. Everyone looked forward to gatherings at her home for the holidays and get-togethers. We will miss sitting around the dinner table for hours in deep conversation, while she sat quietly enjoying the festivities. We will miss her spinach casseroles and Christmas cookies. At the end of her life, she continued to encourage those around her by offering a pat on the hand, or a word of encouragement to the people she met. She was caring for us right up to her final days, with a gesture or soft word.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband Bronson. She leaves behind her daughter, Stephanie Henderson of Gig Harbor; her son Bronson Jr. (Judy) Lewis of Tacoma; four grandsons Jamie Henderson of Seattle, Brett (Lara ) Henderson of Lacey, Peter (Michelle) Lewis of Federal Way and Matthew Lewis of Tacoma; as well as two great-grandchildren, Garrett and Caroline Henderson of Lacey.
The family gratefully thanks Cottesmore of Life Care in Gig Harbor for their care of our mom these past two years, and Franciscan Hospice House in University Place for making her parting comfortable and peaceful.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 24, 2012 in the Mountain View Valley Chapel. The family suggests remembrances be sent to the Western & Central, Washington Chapter, Alzheimer's Association, North Tower, 100 West Harrison St. N. 200, Seattle, WA 98199.
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