Mary Helen Lewis, 86, of Golden, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2009, in her home.

She was born March 25, 1923, in Sheridan, Wyo., the daughter of Lou and Myrtle (Brokaw) Sterling. In 1945, in Kansas, she was united in marriage to Meredith Lewis, who preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Margaret Working and Betty Sterling; and one brother, Robert Sterling.

Survivors include: one son, Robert S. Lewis of Independence; one daughter, Connie M. Smith and her husband, Kenneth W., of Golden; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She grew up and received her education in Sheridan, Wyo., and then attended business college in Kansas City. She was a logistic manager for Burlington Northern Railroad for several years. For 20 years she volunteered at a children's home in Mexico. Eight years ago, she moved from Olathe, Kan., to Golden to live with her daughter and her husband. She was a member of Shell Knob First Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11 in First Baptist Church, Shell Knob, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob. Rev. Bob Gaddis will conduct the services.

Contributions may be made to St. John's Hospice of Berryville, Ark., in her memory.

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences.

Cassville Democrat - June 25, 2009.