Betty Jean Lewis

   Betty Jean Lewis, age 93, beloved wife, mother, grand and great grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, September 21, 2017.
   Betty was born on May 15, 1924 in Harvard, Nebraska, the sixth of six children born to Guy and Adeline Hartman. Her siblings Gordon, Kenneth, Gladys, Norma and Myrna preceded her in death. Betty's family moved from Nebraska to Idaho when she was about twelve years old. She married Marvin Schurtz and they were blessed with the birth of two daughters, Sharon and Janice. Betty and Marvin later divorced and she remarried to her life-long hunting and fishing buddy and best friend, Robert (Bob) Lewis who preceded her in death in 2004. Bob brought his two beautiful daughters, Julie and Bobbie from a previous marriage to join their new family. Betty and Bob then had four more daughters; Vickie, Jacque, Terry and Toni. Vickie, Janice and Sharon preceded Betty in death. Betty is survived by five daughters and their husbands; Julie (Darrel), Bobbie (Tony), Jacque (Pat), Terry (Cordell) and Toni (Harley); numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
   Betty spent her childhood on the family farm in Nebraska. As an adult she worked several years until retirement in the grocery business. Her favorite job by far was when she got to be a "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II, working on planes while the men were away defending the country. Together with family mom and dad built a cabin in Round Valley and spent many years together with their family fishing, hunting, camping and boating and continued even after the kids grew up. Their home became the gathering place for friends and family, and Betty gained the fond reputation as the "fun" grandma. After Bob passed away, Betty carried on the Friday night tradition of gathering and visiting over a cold beer. Even ex sons-in-laws were welcome and remained part of her family. Everyone knew her as a feisty, independent and fun loving woman. There will be an empty place at our gatherings but she is forever in our hearts.