Betty Lewis

Betty Jean “Jeannie” Lewis, 79, passed away surrounded by the love of her children at her home in Newcastle, Wyoming, on Saturday, October 30, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Newcastle, Wyoming, at 11:00 a.m. with graveside services following at Greenwood Cemetery. There will be a viewing at Meridian Mortuary on Friday, November 5 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Jeannie was born in Casper, Wyoming, on September 16, 1942, to Albert and Pearl (Procunier) Tavegia. Jeannie grew up on a ranch outside of Osage, Wyoming, on Skull Creek. She spent her time running around the fields and exploring the ranch with her four younger siblings. Jeannie attended kindergarten-8th grade from 1947-1956 in Osage. She then attended Newcastle High School, receiving her diploma in 1960. Shortly after graduating, she attended Sheridan Beauty College in Sheridan, Wyoming, from 1960-1961. After receiving her cosmetology license, Jeannie moved back to Newcastle, Wyoming, and opened her own beauty salon. Cosmetology was her passion where she built great friendships with her clients. Jeannie met James “Jim” Lewis in 1966, and soon after, the couple married on March 18, 1967. Jim and Jeannie had five children: Susie, Natalie, James “Jimmy”, Pamela, and Donald “Donny”. The family lived in the Newcastle area for 20 years, before moving to Wright, Wyoming, in 1987. Jeannie loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Family was extremely important to her, as she loved to put everything she had into family reunions and making sure her house was ready for any company to attend. She was an avid scrapbooker and family historian, collecting old photos and information from any and every source she could find. She also loved being a member of the Red Hat Society, and serving as a member of the Mallo Board for numerous years. Family and holidays were extremely important to Jeannie. She loved every holiday; however, making Christmas special for everyone was extremely important to her. She exemplified love and compassion by individualizing Christmas for family, friends, and others by choosing the perfect gifts and decorations. Jeannie was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and enjoyed a variety of church callings, her favorite being a seminary teacher. Jeannie is survived by her five children: Susan (Rick) Pillen of Newcastle, Natalie (George) Prosenick of Wright, Pamela (Leo) Carr of Newcastle,  Jimmy (Kristy) Lewis of Newcastle, and Donald (Bonnie) Lewis of Laramie; stepson, Eric Estrella; 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Susan (Wayne) Braun, Judy Schaeffer, Jane (Bruce) Bottjen, Bill (Donna) Tavegia; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Pearl (Procunier) Tavegia; infant brother, Jerry; husband, James (Jim) Lewis; and grandson, Wyatt Pillen. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary 111 South Railroad Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701. Condolences may also be expressed at www.meridianmortuary.com .