Iva Viola Lewis

Iva Lewis, 96, of Nunn, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2019 in Greeley. Iva was born in Lamar, Colorado to William & Julia (Steinle) Willeke on November, 21, 1922. On November 16, 1941 in Nunn, Iva married the love of her life, Glenn Lewis. A master baker, Iva became well known for her decadent cinnamon rolls, and prize-winning pies. A master storyteller, she could keep any group of people on the edge of their seats about everything from life during Dust Bowl to her conversation with a pilot at the airport. It was a skill she passed along to her children and theirs. When she wasn’t telling a story, she would be laughing like only she could at someone else’s. Her kitchen was modest and small, but it was so warm, so entertaining, and so full of life that became a refuge for so many people in Nunn. She was a magnet that kept the town connected. But her true legacy was her career in elementary education. It was a job she picked up later in life as her sons went off to serve overseas in the military. Right away, though, it was clear that her ability to connect with people and make stories out of life made her an exceptional teacher. The district sent her young students who were struggling in school and over her 30 years in education, she helped countless children learn how to read – some of whom never thought they could. Several of them have reached out to tell the family how much she changed their lives. Iva is survived by her children, Connie (Max) Herrera, Patrick (Valerie), and Mark (Laura) Lewis; daughter in law Christina Lewis; grandchildren, Scott (Ashley), and Alyxa Lewis; great-grandchildren, Xavier & Ruby Lewis; and a large loving extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband; sons, Howard & Michael Lewis; parents; and 7 siblings. A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00am a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Journey Christian Church, 4754 W 31st St, Greeley, CO 80634. In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to go to Doorkeeper Ministries. Www.doorkeeperministries.com/donate.html