Rose Marie (Kieffer) Lewis, 64, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, Florida, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on March 17, 1956 in Mount Carmel, the seventh of eight children born to Eugene C. and Viola (Peter) Kieffer. Rose met the love of her life, Gary Lewis, and the two of them secretly married in Henderson Kentucky on August 29, 1995. For more than twenty-five years, they have loved and cherished not only each other, but also their beautiful blended family.
At a very young age, Rose affectionately became known as “Rosie” to her family and childhood friends. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, was a member of the 1974 graduating class of Mount Carmel High School and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rose was employed many years at First Bank from which she retired April 30, 2013. Everyone who knew Rose loved her. She always had a hug and a smile to share and also a way of letting everyone know she truly cared about them. Rose liked to have fun and her contagious laugh will never be forgotten. In recent years, she and Gary spent the winter months at their home in Florida, enjoying outdoor activities, sightseeing and visiting with friends and family. Spending time with her children and grandchildren was her greatest treasure of all. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.
Rose leaves behind her loving husband, Gary; children, Gabriel Williams and wife Kristin, Jonathon Williams and wife Brandi, Tracie Arthur, and Gary Lewis, Jr.; grandchildren, Julian Williams, Blake Williams Negrete, Alexander Williams, Taylor Williams, Tristan Williams, Tatum Leader, Alexis Fenhaus, Bentley Williams, Harleigh Williams, Hunter Lewis, Halie Deputy and Tyler Deputy; siblings, Donald Kieffer, James Kieffer and wife Marilyn, Charles Kieffer and wife Mary Ruth, Daniel Kieffer and wife Kathy, Linda Keepes and husband Phil, Jeanne Condol and husband Willy; sisters-in-law, Sandra Lewis, Sherry Schmidt and husband Robert, and Patty Ewing; brother in law, Larry Lewis; many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia Kieffer; father and mother-in-law, Willard Russell and Helen Lewis; sister-in-law, Carol Kieffer; and brother-in-law, Willard Lewis.
A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will follow the Visitation at 10:30 a.m. with Father Robert Zwilling Officiating and Levi James, Seminarian, assisting. The Memorial Mass will be live streamed on St. Mary’s-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Facebook page for out-of-town friends and family.
Social distancing, wearing of face coverings and use of hand sanitizer is recommended.
Memorial contributions may be made in Rose’s memory to Saint Mary’s Catholic School or St. Mary’s Church and will be accepted at the Church or may be mailed in care of Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Rose’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Lewis family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
