Esther Lewis

Stratton resident Esther Magdelena Lewis, 87, died Thursday, December 10th, 2015 at the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital in Burlington, CO, with family by her side. Esther was born October 15th, 1928. She was the 7th of 16 children born to Ed and Ida (Popp) Ochs in Susank KS. She attended a country school in Eminence, Ks through the 8th grade. She then went to work to help raise her younger siblings. She worked at an Ice Cream shop, and as a telephone operator during World War II. Esther was united in marriage to Harold Dwight Lewis on October 15, 1947 in Garden City, Ks. They began farming in Sharon Springs, Ks along with Dwight’s dad. To this union three children were born, Linda Sue, James Leroy, and Robert Dean. During the drought years in the 50’s they moved to Leadville, Co for one year. The family then returned to Sharon Springs and having 3 good crop years they bought their farm north of Stratton, Co. She later acquired her GED, of which she was extremely proud. Esther was an active member of the Stratton United Methodist Church. She worked at the Stratton sale barn for a period of time, Stratton Public Library for 10 years, and spent many years helping Dwight in their farming and ranching operation. Upon retirement, they moved to town. She was an avid reader and history buff and loved to watch westerns. She enjoyed making over 100 quilts, baby blankets and lap robes for family and friends. Esther is preceded in death by her husband Dwight, her parents, two infant siblings, her son Bob, along with 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Those left to cherish her memories are her children Linda and Harold Miller of Flagler, son Jim and Trina Lewis of Stratton, Co. Grandchildren are Cindy and Matt Bates of Thornton, Co, Brian and Melissa Lewis of Brighton, Co, Bill Miller and Karen Reeves of Aurora, Co, Kristy Dietrle and Kimberly Lewis Eskew of the Denver area, and Bryant Benson of Grant, Ne, great-grandchildren include Porter, Payton and Terrin Lewis, Sophia and Zachary Bates along with 2 brothers, 3 sisters, and many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.