Viola B. Lewis

Viola B. Lewis, age 102 of Ripley, Ohio, died Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at her nephew's home in Xenia, Ohio. She was born February 17, 1911 in Georgetown, Ohio the daughter of the late Margaret and Clarence Williams, who both died when she was a child. She and her brother were raised by a loving grandmother. Her young womanhood was spent in Georgetown, Ohio where she graduated from high school in 1928 and was an active member of the Delaney Methodist Church. Although Viola had no children of her own, she has been a surrogate mother to her nieces, nephews and many other children who affectionately called her Bibo, a name given to her by a very young friend. Mrs. Lewis joined the First Baptist Church in Ripley, Ohio in 1936 and her church work was a labor of love. She served in many capacities including Superintendent of Sunday School, supervisor of youth choir and clerk. Many times she was chairman of the church's homecoming. When Mrs. Lewis turned 70 years old she took a job with the newly formed Southern Ohio Health Services Network's doctor's office in Ripley and worked there for fifteen years. She also cleaned for many area offices and families over the years. Until recently, she still cleaned and did odd jobs at the church, getting it ready for Sunday services. In 1978, she and her husband George were named as Ripley's Outstanding Citizens by the Ripley Women's Club. They also worked in the various activities of the Berry-Delaney American Legion and Legion Auxiliary together.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, George Lewis, who passed away September 7, 1985, and one brother.

Mrs. Lewis is survived by her cherished nephew -Terry and Norma Berry and family of Xenia, Ohio. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and lifelong dear friends - Nathaniel Peters and Skip Peters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 31, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Ripley, Ohio. Rev. Willie Howard will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday evening at Cahall Funeral Home in Ripley. Interment will follow the funeral service on Saturday in Red Oak Cemetery near Ripley.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of the Miami Valley, 46 N. Detroit Street, Suite B, Xenia, Ohio 45385.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the link above.