Ruth F. Lewis

August 13, 1931 – April 16, 2024

Tempe, Arizona – Ruth F. Lewis, 92, passed away on April 16th at her long-time residence in Tempe surrounded by family members.

Ruth Lewis was born August 13, 1931, in Buffalo, New York to her father Harold and mother Rachel Fix. She and her younger sister Sandra (who was 13 years her junior) attended the local schools where both girls excelled academically. In the early 1950s Ruth and her family had visited Arizona, falling in love with its beauty and warmth. With other family members already transitioned to the valley, the Fix family followed suit and the desert became their home.

Ruth attended Arizona State University in the late 1950s, originally pursuing a degree in business. Shortly after, she realized that business life was not for her, instead going back to school to receive her teaching certificate to become a teacher. She taught in Phoenix Elementary schools for 2 years. During her time at Arizona State she met the love of her life, Brandon Lewis. Ruth and Brandon were married in 1955, several years after attaining their college degrees from ASU. With their goals aligned they embarked on a mission to find the perfect home that was close to family and friends. In 1957 they purchased the infamous house on El Parque Drive, choosing Tempe as the place where they planted their roots for the remainder of their lives; growing healthy children, pets, and a beautiful garden.

Ruth was passionate about football (specifically the Buffalo Bills), animals, gardening, and her family. If a Buffalo Bills game was televised, all TV’s in the house were tuned into the game, while cats paraded around waiting for their turn to be pet. She loved her pets and had just about any kind of animal, welcoming dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, and birds into her home. Gardening was a daily endeavor, she loved to keep the yard in immaculate condition and was eager to share it with others after a long day's work. Spending time with family was at the pinnacle, usually at the card table or on a country road taking in new sights. She was a day-trip traveler who loved seeing nature and how landscapes changed over time - all while staying within a few hours of her home. Ruth loved telling stories and had an exceptional memory, eager to share details with others while displaying her smile that lit up any room she was in. She left this Earth the way she wanted to, by The Grace of God, and playing Hand and Foot, spending time with loved ones as much as she could before her time came.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father Harold, mother Rachel, sister Sandra and husband Brandon. She is survived by her four children, daughter Karen Goff and husband Brad, daughter Susan Roberts and husband Jim, sons Jeff Lewis, and Steven Lewis and wife Arlene. She has Seven incredible grandchildren and eight remarkable great-grandchildren, and many friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on May 11, 2024 at 10:00am-11:30am at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, located at:

4310 East Southern Ave.,

Phoenix, AZ 85042

Following the Memorial service will be the urn burial.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be made to Hospice of the Valley. Checks for donation should be made out to:

Hospice of the Valley

1510 E. Flower St.

Phoenix, AZ 85014

Donations can also be made through their website using this link:

https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/

The service will be streamed online (updates for this will be made in time). Lastly, Ruth’s favorite color was blue, therefore for those attending, please wear blue in her honor. Thank you.