Ruth "Irene" Lewis

Ruth “Irene” Lewis, 88, died Wednesday night, February 14th 2018, with family by her side. Irene was born September 7, 1929 in Elkhorn, Iowa, to Ruth Hansen Madsen and Thorvald Madsen.She married Lyle Lewis on November 23, 1951 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.They were married for 48 years before they were reunited this Valentine’s Day. She was a wonderful homemaker, raising their son, Mark Lewis.Irene spent many of her years in Pocatello, Idaho, until 2012, when she and her son moved to be closer to family in Great Falls, Montana.Irene lived at her new home at the Beehive Assisted Living.She not only loved her new home, but she loved her Beehive family, both residents and staff. Irene loved her family, especially her son, Mark.She enjoyed entertaining with “fine wine,” playing cards, camping, baking, and was involved in the Red Hat Society.Irene loved to sing, was a prankster, and loved to laugh.She was always happy, positive, extremely generous, and always had a smile on her face. She is survived by her son, Mark Lewis; her last sibling, Dorothy “Dottie” Clark of Council Bluffs, Iowa; her niece, Kristie (Larry) Milligan; great-nieces Wendy (Ole) Fiske, Kayce Milligan all of Great Falls, MT; and great-nephew Jered (Becca) Milligan of Kalispell, MT.Irene considered Kristie as a daughter, and Kristie’s children as her grandchildren.She is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Madsen, Arlene Madsen, and Shirley Madsen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Lewis; parents Thorvald and Ruth Madsen; and siblings Ethel O’Donald, Arndt “Sonny” Madsen, Betty Madsen, Alice McKeague, Arnold “Ralph” Madsen, Edmund “Roger” Madsen, and Richard “Dick” Madsen. Memorial services will be held at a later date for her family.Memorial donations may be given to Joshua D. Smith & Associates in Pocatello, Idaho (209 East Lewis Street, Pocatello, ID 83201).This mental health services facility has always provided great assistance to Irene’s son, Mark.