Mary Lewis

Mary Nell Lewis, 81, of Sturkie, Arkansas, passed from this walk of life on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in Salem, Arkansas.

She was born in Engleberg, Arkansas, on August 14, 1938, daughter of the late Ben T. and Ida Bernice (Reiathbaum) Riney. Mary spent her life as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, nurse, and friend. She married Kenneth Howard Lewis on July 27, 1958 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Arkansas. Mary moved to Pocahontas when she was in the 3rd grade and attended St. Paul’s Catholic School until her graduation in 1958. After she and Kenneth married, they moved to Kansas City for his job and stayed there until 1970. Their son David Dwayne Lewis was born in 1966 in Kansas City. A few years later the family moved to Fulton County and purchased a farm with Kenneth’s brother, Noble. Kenneth and Mary have lived in the house on that farm since 1970. In 1978, Mary graduated from nursing school and spent the next 40+ years working as a nurse for Fulton County Hospital. After retiring from nursing, Mary spent the following years as a Pharmacy Technician until her retirement in 2019.

Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Kenneth Lewis of Sturkie, Arkansas; son, David Lewis of Yellville, Arkansas; sister, Helen Riney Craig of Milligan Ridge, Arkansas; many brothers-and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; adopted granddaughters, Shelby Brazeal and Hassi York; nursing colleagues; and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben T. and Ida Riney; brothers Leo Riney, Otis Riney, Otto Riney, Lloyd Riney, and Vetah Riney and sisters Flora Riney Baltz and Mabel Riney Carmack.

Pallbearers include: Layton York, Eric Lewis, Shane Lewis, Chase Lewis, Kevin Lewis, and Ken Warden.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Shelby York Brazeal, Hassi York, Neesha Barker, Shelia Cochran, Darla York, and Judy Harber.

Memorials may be sent to the Salem First Baptist Church – Youth Ministry, PO Box 737; Salem, Arkansas 72576.

Funeral Services will be held, Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at 2:00 PM at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas, with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Interment will follow services at Wiseman Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Doty Family Funeral Service of Salem, Arkansas.