Norene A. (Warner) Lewis

Norene Lewis, a lifelong Deary resident, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at her daughter’s home in Potlatch with family and her dog, Sadie, by her side. She was 88.

Norene was born on March 22, 1931 at Martin, South Dakota to John and Chloie (Whybark) Warner. The family relocated to Deary when Norene was a child. She grew up and attended school there and was valedictorian of her class.

Norene met the love of her life, Olen Lewis in 1949 when he was in the US Army. They were married in Moscow on May 24, 1949 shortly after she graduated. They lived and loved at their home in Deary. Later Norene worked for Gritman Medical Center in Moscow with her best friend and “sister of her heart,” Leona Ailor. Norene started as a CNA and retired as a Ward Clerk after 25 years at Gritman.

Over the years, Norene crocheted numerous afghans for her family, enjoyed scrap-booking, antiques, backpacking, and after retirement, traveling the Northwest. They also enjoyed two cruises to Alaska and a trip to Hawaii.

Norene was the rock of her family, always there with a comforting word and wise advice. She will be missed beyond measure.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Olen, in May of 2010, a daughter, Kathy Winegarden in 2013 and her parents.

Norene is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Mike) Gilmore of Potlatch and son, David (Pam) Lewis of Salmon, ID, two brothers, Larry (Carolee) Warner of Garfield and Fred (Evon) Warner in Deary. She also leaves 8 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, July 29, 2019 at the Deary Community Bible Church. Rev. Kathy Kramer will officiate and burial will be at Pinecrest Cemetery in Deary. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be at the Deary Community Center following.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Humane Society of the Palouse, 2019 White Ave., Moscow, ID 83843.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.