Melvina Jane Lewis

Princeton - Melvina Jane Lewis, born June 7, 1930, in Princeton, IL, peacefully passed away on March 15, 2024, at the home of her daughter in Rock Falls, IL. She was the beloved daughter of Barney and Myrtle (Staples) Underwood. Melvina spent her formative years on a farm south of Tiskilwa, where she attended Lone Tree County School from first through eighth grade. She proudly graduated from Princeton High School, Class of 1948. On December 9, 1950, she married the love of her life, Frank Lewis, whom she met while working at the Illinois Allied Telephone Company. Their union lasted 58 years until Frank's passing in 2008. Throughout her life, Melvina dedicated herself to various roles. Initially a homemaker raising her family, she later found employment at Montgomery Wards and Co. and Landahl's. Upon retiring, Melvina found fulfillment as a volunteer for Tri County Opportunities Foster Grandparents Program at Jefferson School in Princeton. Her 13-year tenure in Mrs. Isaacson's first-grade class was cherished as her favorite role. Melvina was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and participated in United Women in Faith, Women of the Moose, Tiskilwa Historical Society, and Bureau County Genealogical Society. She was also a dedicated member of the Bureau County Home and Community Education for 60 years, serving on its board for 20 years. Among her many passions, Melvina found joy in her family and church community, sewing, cooking, especially baking, reading, and tending to her yard. She relished traveling, especially with her daughters, and attended an impressive 89 Bureau County fairs, including the one in 2023. Melvina Jane Lewis will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Surviving Melvina, her three children, Barbara (Howard) Wolcott of Rock Falls, IL, David (Diane) Lewis of Princeton, IL and Donald (Carin) Lewis of Princeton, IL; nine grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. As well as her beloved cat and best friend Josey. Preceded by her parents, Barney and Myrtle Underwood, her husband Frank Lewis, son James in infancy, one daughter Carol Grundman and one granddaughter Eileen Grundman, two sisters, Edith Wahlstrom and Doris Yarrington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The First United Methodist Church in Princeton, IL., The Princeton Public Library or the Tiskilwa Historical Society. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton, IL. Services to follow on March 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Officiated by Pastor Ryan Sutton at the First United Methodist Church of Princeton, IL. Graveside services to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL. Pallbearers: Jim Wolcott, Alan Wolcott, Hunter Lewis, Antonio Emma, Bob LaPorte and John Grundman. Honorary Pallbearer: David Lewis, Jr. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Melvina Jane Lewis

June 7, 1930 - March 15, 2024