Alice Lewis

Alice Alline Regenhardt Lewis, 92, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Alice was born March 24, 1925, to Lois Alline McNeely and Ted R. Regenhardt in Cape Girardeau.

Her father was associated with his father and brothers in the Regenhardt Construction Co. The family moved every year or every other year following their highway construction jobs throughout Illinois and eastern Missouri.

Her grandfather, Edward Regenhardt, was the general contractor for the construction of Academic Hall, the main administration building of what is now Southeast Missouri State University and a Cape Girardeau landmark.

By the time she was high school age, her parents moved the family back to Cape Girardeau permanently. She attended Franklin School for the ninth grade and Cape Girardeau Central High School the next three years, and next attended Southeast Missouri State Teachers College, where she graduated with a B.S. degree in secondary education, specializing in home economics. Her first job was as a teacher in Lawrence, Illinois. The next year she worked in St. Louis County as an assistant home-extension agent.

She married Freeman Lewis, owner of Wimpy's Drive In and Grocery on Sept. 25, 1948. They joined Centenary Methodist Church later that year.

In 1969, Alice began work as an elementary guidance counselor for the Sikeston Public Schools.

In 1970, she went back to Southeast and worked on her master's degree in elementary guidance counseling, accomplishing her goal in 1973, the same year her son Rob graduated from Southeast. She retired from her work in Sikeston after 20 years, in 1989.

She belonged to the Missouri State Teachers Association and was a charter member of the Professional Home Economists organization.

Active in the life of Centenary Methodist Church for 68 years, she served in several capacities: church secretary, nursery coordinator, church board of trustees and various United Methodist Women offices.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and PEO.

Alice loved to read, play bridge and assemble jigsaw puzzles. She embroidered quilts for her grandchildren, as well as creating needlepoint pictures and chair covers. A love of travel took her across the U.S. and one trip to Europe.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Freeman.

They have two sons, Rob (Diane) Lewis of San Antonio and Jon (Susan) Lewis of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three grandchildren, Sarah (Thomas) Satterwhite, Angela (Justin) Morgan and Stephen Lewis; and two great-grandchildren, Blake and Emily Satterwhite.

She also is survived by her brother, Don (Linda) Regenhardt of Chevy Chase, Maryland; one cousin, Joe (Mary Alice) Regenhardt of Cape Girardeau; six nephews; and eight nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Teddy; and a sister, Dee Ann, both when young children.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis St. in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Please remember the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.