Rosa "Nell" Squire Lewis

Rosa Nell (Squire) Lewis always known as “Nell”

Nell was born in the family country home in Hamilton County Kansas on August 3, 1937, to Willie A. Squire and Rosa Jane (Fulton) Squire. She was named after her mother Rosa and her maternal grandmother Nellie Fulton. Amazingly enough, she shared her birthday with her parents’ wedding anniversary and her older sister, Vera making August 3rd a big day for the Squire family. She was born the 4th child of five children, starting with June Maxine (Squire) Nickerson, Vera Lavaun (Squire) O’Neal, John Ronald “Ron” Squire, Rosa “Nell” (Squire) Lewis, and William Lee “Bill” Squire. All have proceeded her in death.
Nell graduated from Syracuse High School in 1955. In high school, she enjoyed band, playing the clarinet and being a twirler for the marching band. She always carried fond memories of her high school days and friends and enjoyed reuniting with them. She married Irvin H. Lewis, Jr. “Junior” on November 21, 1954, and they shared 67 years of marriage, until he proceeded her in death on August 8, 2022. To that union were born Charles, Julie (a special needs daughter) and Jeri. Charles married Denise (Brown) and Jeri married Rod Grove. These unions brought 5 vivacious Grandsons into the Family Tree.
• Casey Grove who married Sarah, blessing them with Gunner.
• Ryan Lewis who married Candace, blessing them with Savannah and Addison.
• Jesse Grove who married Nicole, blessing them with JJ and Gage.
• CJ Lewis who married Kinsey, blessing them with Alister and Wakely.
• Jerod Grove who married Sharon and blessed them with Ryker, Brylie, and Peyton.
They all survive along with numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
It has been said that opposites attract. Junior loved outdoor adventures and Nell loved being a homemaker. Her focus remained around home and family, including caring for Julie, her special needs daughter most of Julie’s life. She made homes in Kansas, Oregon, and Utah over the years and enjoyed using her gift of hospitality to welcome friends, family, church families, and missionaries into her home.
Her naivety and innocence were qualities that endeared (and sometimes amused) her family. She always kept a “diary”, but it was more of a journal that chronicled the happenings of each day. Many times, the diary was able be used to identify when certain events or transactions occurred. She also used her writing to send cards and letters to family, friends, and church family to offer birthday wishes, encouragement, and sympathy.
On December 20, 2022, Nell went to have a joyous reunion with Jesus, husband, family, and friends that are ready to welcome to her forever home. No doubt, she will be getting it ready to help host those who follow.
We would like to thank the many caregivers from Canyon Hospice who showed love and compassion to her this past year, especially Twila, Marcie and Sara.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 11 AM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. With a viewing 1 hour prior. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Gideon’s or Ashely Valley Calvary Chapel building fund.

Burial will be in the Hamilton County Cemetery, Syracuse Kansas at 10 AM on January 7, 2023 next to her husband Junior. The Southern Baptist Church (610 N Main, Syracuse, KS) will be open from 8 am to 2 pm for family to receive visitors, services are under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.