Donna G. Lewis

Donna Lewis, 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Kalamazoo MI after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final season of a remarkable life.

Donna was born in the small midwestern town, Shelby, OH, on January 14, 1928 to parents Robert and Helen Guthrie. She was the oldest of four children, and her close-knit family instilled solid Christian values and admirable character qualities. After graduating from Shelby High School, she attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH.

Donna married the love of her life, Gordon Lewis, on February 4, 1950 in Shelby, OH. Together, they raised five children: Libby; Amy; Pam; Gordie; and Holly. During their 58 years together, they lived in Buffalo, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; Farmington Hills, MI, and St Louis, MO; and enjoyed playing tennis and bridge, entertaining friends, gardening, and crafts. Donna left a trail of enriched friendships in each of those places they lived.

After Gordon passed away in 2008, Donna relocated to Westerville, OH to reside near her daughter, Amy, and later to Kalamazoo, MI to reside near her daughter, Libby. In her later years, Donna thoroughly relished her time with her five kids and their spouses, her 16 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. She meticulously knitted beautiful afghans for each of her grandchildren’s families. Her youthful beauty and genuine love for family and friends, and steadfast faith always made Donna a joy and pleasure to spend time with. She was sharp and witty until the very end, and will be dearly missed!

Survivors include her children: Libby (Bill) Anderson of Kalamazoo, MI; Amy (Gary) Bevington of Westfield, IN; Pam (Harvey) Sell of Marietta, GA; Gordie (Sheryl) Lewis of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Holly (Rob) Kinnear of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; her 16 grandchildren: Brad (Jamie) Kuhn; Julie (Matt) Higgs; Todd (Kelly) Bevington; Meredith (Joe) Geiger; Kirk (Dana) Bevington; Megan (Wes) Thornhill; Tara (Ross) Fleck; Matt (Halie) Sell; Alison Sell; Ben (Andrea) Lewis; Adam (Jeanne) Kinnear; Nate (Kelly) Kinnear; Christy (Phil) Maze; Sarah (Pat) Mullen; Claire (Dalton) Schnieider; Emily (Levi) Spain; her 36 great-grandchildren; her sister, DeeDee Haggard of Punta Gorda, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents, Robert and Helen Guthrie; her newborn great-granddaughter, Josie Higgs; her brother Robert Guthrie; and her sister Dianne Davis.

Donna’s family is thankful for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends, and the amazing care and support from Centrica Hospice, during her final weeks of life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Centrica Hospice 7100 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Donna’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Lewis family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49024.269-344-5600.