She was born April 14, 1924, in Burley, Idaho, to William R. Gierisch and Annie Kramer Gierisch. She grew up in Burley and in 1942, she graduated from Burley High School. She attended the LDS School of Nursing in Idaho Falls where she became a registered nurse.

During World War II, she was a member of the Nurses Cadet Corp.

On January 30, 1947, she married Clifford V. Lewis in Burley and their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

She worked for Dr. Terhune in Burley until she married. In Idaho Falls, she worked for the Hatch Clinic for a number of years and for the LDS Hospital until retiring in 1975.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and among the callings she held were in the Relief Society and the Cub Scouts.

She loved horse back riding, dogs, being in the mountains, making chocolates, reading, doing ceramics, leather tooling, photography, growing Iris's (she raised over 130 different varieties) and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Clifford V. Lewis of Idaho Falls; sons: Barry Clifford (Kristy) Lewis of Filer, Idaho, and Donald "Kim" (Annette) Lewis of Idaho Falls; a daughter, Karen Marie (Dave) Frisby of Idaho Falls; a brother, Gene R.(Lena, deceased) Gierisch of Vernal, Utah; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, David J. Lewis; three sisters; Gladys, Marie, and Anita; and three brothers: Ralph, Haven and Donald Gierisch.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2009, at the Idaho Falls LDS 19th Ward Chapel, 3370 N. 5 West. with Bishop David Johnson officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday evening, July 19, 2009, from 6-8:00 p.m. and Monday at the church one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com