Ida "Fern" Lewis, 96, of Independence, Mo., joined her husband, A.J. in Heaven Sunday, January 18, 2015, with family around her and scripture being read. Fern was born to Gilbert and Bessie Ammons on Oct. 23, 1918, on a farm north of Rockville, Mo., the fourth of six children. Fern enjoyed her time growing up on a farm with her parents and siblings. Fern graduated from Rockville High School in 1936 and moved to Kansas City to work as a nanny. Fern attended Beauty School, later working at a Salon on the Plaza. Fern met the love of her life, A.J. Lewis, in Kansas City. They married on June 20, 1943, and danced through 68 years of marriage. Fern and A.J. raised three beautiful children, Karen, Kathie, and Kent. They enjoyed traveling and Hawaii was a favorite destination. Fern and A.J. loved to dance, and were best known for dancing the waltz at all functions, including many of their grandchildren's weddings. Fern and A.J. were long time members of Blue Ridge Methodist Church. Fern was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Fern loved spending time with her family and had a fun- spirited personality that always provided laughter and love to her family. Fern was preceded in death by siblings, Oma May, Hazel, Margie, Glenn and her loving husband, A.J. Fern is survived by daughters, Karen McPike, Kathie Heimsoth (Les); son, Kent Lewis (Kathy); eight grandchildren, Kelly Turner (Dave), Matt Heimsoth (Julia), Malinda Deines (Dave), Robin Ramirez (Dave), Jana Merfen (Brent), Erin Wheeler (Daniel), Christian Lewis, and Ana Lewis; and 13 great-grandchildren, Emily Turner, Drake Heimsoth, James Merfen, Marshall Heimsoth, Donavan Ramirez, Davis Heimsoth, Adam Merfen, Elijah Wheeler, Gabriel Wheeler, Elizabeth Deines, Cora Merfen, Broderick Wheeler, and Zachary Deines. Fern is also survived by her sister, Doris Clark and many other family members and friends. Visitation at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Blue Ridge Boulevard United Methodist Church followed by the Celebration of Life service at 10 a.m. Burial at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. We send a special thank you to the caring staffs at Bickford, Hidden Lake and KU Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Blue Ridge Methodist Church or a charity of your choice . Fond memories and condolences at www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com Arr.: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64133 (816) 353-1218. D. W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories 816-353-1218 www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com

Published in Kansas City Star on Jan. 21, 2015