Maxine Elma Lewis

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(Oct. 22, 1922 - May 11, 2015)

Maxine Elma Lewis died at West Park Hospital in Cody on May 11, 2015. She was 92.

A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, she taught school for a total of 45 years.

Maxine was born Oct. 22, 1922, at South Fork Ranch House in Routte, Colorado, to Charles and Sylvia Flemming. She skied to grade school at South Fork School and two years of high school.

After graduating early from Savory School in 1939 with honors, she attended the University of Wyoming, obtaining her teaching certificate. After teaching at Hat Creek School in Carbon County for one year in 1941 she moved to Baggs to teach in 1942. There, she met a rancher, Eugene Castner Lewis, in 1948. That same year she obtained her bachelor’s degree for teaching from the University of Wyoming.

She married Eugene on Aug. 22, 1948. That next year she took off for the birth of her son, James Lewis. That same year the blizzard of 1949 hit. After that, the ranch partnership dissolved and they moved to Dixon. There, Maxine taught one year from 1950-51 in Slater, before purchasing their farm in 1952 in Burlington. There she lived and worked as a first-grade teacher from 1953 until her retirement in 1989.

She loved her flowers and gardening while visiting with friends. On Halloween, she enjoyed seeing the children who sometimes numbered over 100. The Christmas lights were so special during the winter seasons. She had a warm smile and a kind loving spirit. Maxine will truly be missed.

She is survived by her son James Lewis of Burlington, one grandson Glen Robert House (Holly) of Cody, and three grandchildren: Robert, April and Hanna.

A memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Burlington with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please plant one. An online memorial is available at www.ballardfh.com.

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