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Henrietta “Etta” Lewis passed away Friday, April 11, 2014 at the Oakes Community Hospital. Etta was born October 1, 1929 at Hecla, SD, the daughter of Henry G. and Elizabeth C. Schwarting. She grew up in Hecla during the Great Depression and lost her father at 7 years old. Her stories about making rafts, swimming in the Jim River, playing pirate, feeding hobos and enjoying life reflected many fond memories.
On December 20, 1945, Etta married Albie Lewis. They raised 6 children on the family farm east of Hecla. She was widowed at the age of 50. Etta loved the freedom of working outside and spent much of her time gardening, raising animals and helping where needed. She worked at various jobs, and especially enjoyed the tree nursery. In 2004 Etta moved to Oakes, ND, where she resided until her death.
Etta dearly loved people, especially kids and her grandchildren. She gave unconditional love, practical advice, and was the “Grandma who would let you do almost anything”. Etta was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 30, 1967, and spent much of her time talking to others about the Bible’s message. She was a living example of unfaltering faith and helped many with her Biblical guidance.
Etta is survived by five children: Larry (Linda Kempf) Lewis of Hecla, Ann (Nick) Wampler of Hecla, Sharon (Bob) Wasche of Ottertail, MN, Albie (Wendy) Lewis of Humboldt, SD, and Lila (Greg) Vaselaar of Huron, SD, 21 grandchildren and 34 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Albie, 2 children, Marvin and a stillborn daughter Debra, one granddaughter, Teneil and 6 siblings, Harold Schwarting, Eda Cole, Harvey Schwarting, Fern McCart, Paul Schwarting and Delbert Schwarting.
On Tuesday evening April 15, 7:00 PM the family will gather to greet people at the Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Oakes, ND, with Sharing of Memories to begin at 7:30 PM. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 16, 11:00 AM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2 miles S of Oakes on Hwy 1, with lunch to follow. An on-line guestbook may be signed at dahlstromfuneralhome.com.