Bessie E. Lewis

Bessie E. "Bets" Lewis of Mansfield, passed away early February 14, 2017, at Wedgewood Estates at the age of 100. She was born August 13, 1916, in Savannah, Ohio, one of four children of the late Lloyd and Elizabeth (Robson) Calhoun.

Growing up in a large family, Bessie learned early to find her own voice and make friends quickly. She was a tenacious, witty and independent woman who was very fun to be around. Bets was also a generous and selfless lady who adored her family and her most favorite times were spent in their company. She attributed her and her husband's longevity to their "Happy Hour" celebrated every night with Crown Royal or a beer.

She retired in 1983 from P.I.E. Trucking where she was a billing clerk. Bets was always on the go and enjoyed playing cards, attending theater productions and visiting with friends. The traveling bug often took her to Ocala, Florida, where she was the life of the party. She lived a very happy life in her West Fourth St. home which was eventually sold to Aldi. After the sale, she and her husband moved to Clark Court where they made a cozy place to live.

Bessie is survived by a son, Robert (Joann) Lewis of Pineville, LA; granddaughter, Kimberly (Jeremiah) Friend of Burbank, OH; four great-grandchildren, Macyn, Jaxon, Lyric and Kycen; a sister, Hazel Plice of Ashland; four nieces; and two nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl E. Lewis; a son, James Lewis; a grandson, Kevin Lewis; one sister; and one brother.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2017, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Donald Kuntz will follow at 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions honoring her life may be made to the Lewis Endowment Fund #604166, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.