Dorothy Alice Lewis

Dorothy Alice Lewis, age 85, passed away peacefully in her home on October 10, 2026, surrounded by the family she fiercely loved.

Dorothy was born to Ruby Genevieve Martin and Clarence Andrew Ward on July 28, 1941, in Jackson, Wyoming. She was the eldest of her family and was later joined by sisters Darlene, Lois, and Lucille, and brothers Andy and Roy.

Dorothy grew up in Aztec, New Mexico and later spent summers in Jackson, Wyoming helping her Aunt Zelda cook for the cowboys on the Hansen ranch.

While honing her cooking skills on the ranch, her Uncle Roy introduced her to a handsome cowboy who knew a fine catch when he saw one.

On May 27, 1960, Rodney Lewis married his beautiful, red haired “strawberry roan” already knowing full well she was a great cook.

In 1961, Rodney and Dorothy moved to Rigby, Idaho. They had purchased a small farm and would spend the next 65 years in Rigby raising dairy cows and their children, William (Bill), Robin, Rhonda, and Robert.

They raised their four hooligans with love, laughter, freedom, and family values. They taught the value of hard work, the appreciation of the land, and the importance of family, dreams, and compassion. Human or animal, broken wing or broken heart, Dorothy would welcome you with kindness and a meal.

While Rodney and Dorothy were blessed with healthy, happy children, they were not immune to tragedy. In 1990, Rodney was involved in a serious car accident that would irrevocably change their lives, Dorothy battled cancer three separate times, and they watched their beloved son Robin die after a brutal, prolonged illness.

Dorothy became a caretaker to her husband, worked tirelessly to save their farm, and also worked as a home health care aide, all while remaining the touchstone of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through it all, Dorothy proved to all who knew her what her family already knew, she was a woman who would walk through the fire and rise above the flames of adversity stronger. She was an example to all who knew her.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Rodney, son Robin, parents Ruby and Clarence, and sisters Darlene and Lois.

Dorothy will be missed by her surviving children, William (Sally) Lewis of Ucon, Idaho, Rhonda (Paul) Stewart of Kemmerer, Wyoming, and Robert (Cathy) Lewis of Rigby, Idaho. Her twelve grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. They will miss Grandma Dot tremendously. Her sister Lucille (Jim) Edwards, brothers Andy (Linda) Ward, Roy (Glenda) Ward, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She loved you all.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery, located at 12463 E. 129 N., Ririe, Id 83443.

In the event of inclement weather, services will be held at the 4100 Building, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 364 N. 4100 E., Rigby, Idaho 83442.