Belle Stephens Lewis

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Belle Stephens Lewis, age 91, passed away on Oct. 2, in Evanston. She was born in humble circumstances in Montpelier, Idaho, on Aug. 13, 1927, as the third child to William Myrl Stephens and Freda Gortcinsky Stephens.

Belle was preceded in death by her husband, Don Jesse Lewis, in 2017; her father, William Myrl, in 1985; mother, Freda in 1943; stepmother, Ina Adams Stephens; brothers, Darren, Jim and Donald; sister, Fern; and halfsister, Merelynn.

Belle graduated as the salutatorian from Montpelier (Idaho) High School in 1945. She worked as a secretary for a local attorney and justice of the peace. Later, she worked for the Idaho Department of Public Assistance and San Francisco Chemical Company in Montpelier. 

Belle met Don Jesse Lewis at a dance in Fish Haven, Idaho, during the summer of 1947. Belle and Don were married in Montpelier, on March 5, 1949. They lived briefly in Afton before moving to Evanston in 1950. After her children were in school, she went to work for the Uinta Title and Insurance Company in 1965. She worked there until she retired in 1993. After retirement, she served many as a tax counselor for the American Association of Retired People.

Belle was a member of the LDS Church. She was a Sunday school teacher, president and counselor of the Mutual Improvement Association, a secretary of the Relief Society and a visiting teacher. She was a den mother for the neighborhood Cub Scouts.

Belle’s favorite activities were reading, swimming, walking, playing cards, knitting, crocheting and visiting with her family and friends. Belle was very generous with her time and money. She helped her dad care for her brothers and sisters after her mom died.

Later, she helped care for her siblings’ spouses and good friends as their time passed. She had several very good friends, most of whom preceded her in death. Belle was a dedicated wife, a best friend and a wonderful mother who always put her children’s needs first.

Belle will be greatly missed by her children: Kelly (Vernita) Lewis of Centennial, Colorado; Gary (Kim) Lewis of Cody; Stephen (Veronica) Lewis of North Salt Lake, Utah; and Todd Lewis of Mariposa, California; her six grandchildren: Jennifer, Ryan, Brittney, Lyndsey, Stephen Jr. and Jessica; and four great grandchildren: Kylah, Belle, Ryder and Lily.

Funeral services, under the direction of the Crandall Funeral Home, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 10.  A public viewing at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m., will be held at the funeral home. LDS dedication of the gravesite will follow at the Evanston City Cemetery.

The family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. The family expresses their deepest appreciation to the many relatives, friends, neighbors and healthcare providers for their service, care and kindness.  

Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.