Ellen Lewis

Beloved Jackson elementary school teacher Ellen L. Lewis, 65, of Jackson unexpectedly passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020, at her home.

She was born Oct. 1, 1954, in Cape Girardeau to Leonard N. "Lefty" and Louise A. Morton Swan. She and Howard Lewis were married Oct. 22, 1977, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pocahontas, also the church of Ellen's baptism and confirmation.

Ellen was dedicated to Christian service at St. John's, where she served as Sunday school treasurer, served on several committees and served as the church organist for more than 50 years.

Ellen was a graduate of Jackson High School and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Southeast Missouri State University. She then taught 29 years at West Lane Elementary School in Jackson, retiring in 2006. Even after retirement, Ellen followed Jackson sports and also participated in Tuesday morning coffee with other retired teachers.

Ellen continued to help the Jackson community. Her most recent activity was sewing masks for health care workers. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and University of Missouri Tigers fan.

Ellen's family and friends were very special to her. Her granddaughter, Elsie, was the joy of her life. She loved being "Mimi" and especially enjoyed face time and reading to Elsie.

Loving survivors include her husband of 42 years, Howard Lewis of Jackson; children, Brent (Beth) Lewis and Emily (Eric) Vogelweid and daughter, Elsie, all of Columbia, Missouri; brothers, Leonard (Gaye) Swan and Nelson (Carol) Swan, all of Jackson; niece, Gaye Lynn (Ron) Henry and children, Brendan and Collin Henry; and nephew, Chris (Loy) Buchheit.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Theodore Leonard Vogelweid.

Due to current health concerns, the family will privately honor Ellen with a graveside service at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with the Rev. Lawrence Bradt officiating.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. John's Lutheran Church in Pocahontas or to the Jackson R-2 School Foundation.

A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the Tributes tab of Ellen's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

McCombs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.