After several years at the Platte County Legacy Home, Joann Denise Lewis passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, six days shy of her 95th birthday. She was born on Wednesday, May 8, 1929, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver. Her parents, Robert and Deena (Judge) Straw took their only child home to Wheatland.
Joann spent the lion’s share of her life in Wheatland experiencing the ups and downs of the city’s development. She attended 12 years in the school system and graduated from Wheatland High School in 1947. That same year she began her college education in Laramie at the University of Wyoming, studying for a degree in pharmacy.
On September 10, 1952, she married David Joesph Lewis Jr. They lived in Wheatland where Dave owned and operated the Coast-to-Coast hardware store. During their 67 years of marriage, Joann and Dave raised three boys, Robert (Sally), Ronald (Matha Nelly), and Jon (Connie).
Joann continued her college studies at UW, graduating with a degree in education, K-8th grade, in 1965. The boys attended Wheatland schools until 1968 when the family moved to Greeley.
Joann taught elementary school in Greeley and then a few years later, the family moved back to Wheatland, where Joann was able to teach chorus and science. Teaching was one of her passions.
Music was also her passion. Every house her family occupied in Wyoming and Colorado had an upright piano. She not only taught music for Wheatland students, K-8, but Joann also led the choir and participated in bell ringing at the Episcopal Church for several years. She also played saxophone and clarinet in the late 1950s and early 1960s with the Harry Derringer Dance Band in Wheatland. May her earthly talents be enjoyed in the Hereafter.
In their later years, Dave and Joann owned several different motor homes and were able to travel from Alaska to Mexico, and various spots in between. This travel was another passion.
David passed away in 2019, one week before his 95th birthday. Joann is survived, not only by her three boys, but also four grandchildren, Alayne (Matthew), Carlyann (Matt), Melissa, and Jeremy, as well as, one great grandchild, one-year-old Myles Fritz.
The family wants to thank Dr. Palmer and the caregivers at the Legacy Home. Much gratitude and appreciation also goes to Jon and Connie for their caregiving efforts over the past several years.
Graveside services will be held at the Wheatland Cemetery at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, with a reception to follow at the All Saints Episcopal Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to All Saints Episcopal Church, 605 11th Street, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 would be appreciated by the family.
Gorman Funeral Homes - Platte Chapel is in charge of the services.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.gormanfh.com
