Linda Lewis

Linda Lewis, 104, of Wichita, Kansas, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and child of God, died in Wichita on July 11, 2014.

She was born in Gordonville, oldest daughter of William and Martha Lange Gerecke. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville. In January 1933 she married William "Bill" Lewis.

Linda and Bill were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau many years. She taught Sunday school, was a member of the Senior Ladies Aid and was active in the quilting circle.

She worked at International Shoe Co. seven years and after that made a loving home for her family. For many years, Linda baked cookies, pies and other treats for her family; made a beautiful quilt for each grandchild; and regularly corresponded with family and friends, especially Mary Dunham of Cape Girardeau.

Linda and Bill moved to Kansas in 1995 to be near their daughters, Martha and Mary. Linda formed new friendships at Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute, Kansas, and at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Wichita. However, Linda kept her membership at Trinity Church.

She loved her friends and family and counted them as God's greatest blessings to her. Her steadfast faith in Jesus was an anchor for her family. A woman of great strength and resilience, she amazed all who knew her.

She is survived by two brothers, Lorenz Gerecke of Escondido, California, and William (Sue) Gerecke of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Martha (M. Thomas) Brooks of Forsyth, Missouri, and Mary (Tom) Schaefer of Wichita; five grandchildren, Mary (Bruce) Brittain of Andover, Kansas, Paul (Tonya) Brooks of Archer City, Texas, Matthew (Krista) Brooks of Hays, Kansas, Jami (Nathan) Cuka of Baltimore and Joel (Amy) Schaefer of Andover.

Also 13 great-grandchildren, Evan and Hanna Brittain, Jacey, Jahna and Tessa Brooks, Thomas, Nathaniel and Jayne Brooks, Penelope and Samuel Cuka, and Grace, Ellen and William Schaefer; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William; four sisters, Ella Gerecke Shelton, Anita Gerecke Taylor, Edna Gerecke Schwartz and Maria Gerecke; three brothers, Martin, Edward and Walter Gerecke; two half sisters, Frieda Gerecke Quade and Ida Gerecke Quade; and three half brothers, Herman, Alvin and Fred Gerecke.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 N. Frederick St., Cape Girardeau.

Crain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita.

To leave online condolences, visit crainsonline.com.