Obituary of Ruth B. Lewis

Ruth B. Lewis, lifelong resident of Pennsville, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, May 26, 2016. She was surrounded by her family. Ruth was the daughter of the late Edna (Berge) and Norman Birch. She was born on Dolbow Avenue, in Pennsville, on April 24, 1927. On June 4th, 1945, she married the love of her life, James W. Lewis, retired Lieutenant of the Pennsville Police Department. They were married for 43 years and had three children. Ruth was an active member of the community throughout her entire life. When her children were young, she was a Den Mother for her son's Cub Scout and Boy Scout troop, a Girl Scout Leader for her daughters, and a member of the VFW. She was also an active member of both Little League and Babe Ruth for many years. She was always known as an excellent seamstress, making costumes for local twirlers and dancers, and also made the original Eagle mascot uniform for Pennsville Memorial High School. Ruth was also an integral part of Beverly's Twirlettes and Beverly's Academy as a seamstress, care provider and everyone's beloved, Nanny. She loved children and took many into her care throughout the years. Any child who knew her, loved her. She could often be found with her grandchildren having a tea party or sitting reading stories in a rocking chair. She loved rocking babies and cherished every moment spent with her family. Her children, grandchildren and their friends could always count on Nanny for an encouraging word or a listening ear. She was an excellent cook and knew how to cook for the masses. She spent many hours in the kitchen and has had her recipes published in a family cookbook. She loved to cook, can, freeze and bake. Her family and neighbors enjoyed countless meals provided by her loving hands. Ruth was a resident of the Pennsville Towers for 10 years. During her time there, she started a chapter of the Red Hat Society. She organized luncheons and outings for the women. She was also a member of the Sunshine Club and the XYZ Club for many years. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, James Lewis; brother, Robert Birch; sister, Jo Ann Mason, both of Pennsville; and daughter, Donna (Lewis) Williams of Republic, MO. She is survived by her son and his wife, Norman and Pat Lewis of Moncks Corner, SC; her daughter and her husband, Beverly (Lewis) and Albert Olnhausen of Pennsville, NJ; her favorite nephew, David Mason of Columbia, MO; and her niece, Ruth Ann Mason of Pennsville, NJ. She has 7 grandchildren – Richard Harris, Jr. of Canton, NJ; Norman Lewis, Jr. of Marion, NC; Earl Harris of Lovettsville, VA; Renee Rodgers of Ladson, SC; Bleigh Tantlinger of Lovettsville, VA; Kelly Proveaux of Moncks Corner, SC; and Donna Jean Dunham of Republic, MO. She also has 17 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Nanny, as most everyone called her, will be dearly missed. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother to all who knew her. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday May 28, at the Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville, where friends may call from 9:00 to 10:00 AM prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Salem County Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Salem County FOP 693 S. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com