Alta Lewis

Pinky Lewis, 78 of Independence passed away March 30th, in her home surround by her children. Born Alta Mae Coates to Eldon Van & Alta Rebecca (Johnston) Coates on May 20th, 1944. Her nickname, Pinky, came from her dad, as a baby her rosy cheeks and pink dresses were his favorite so one day with a house full of aunts & cousins, he called her His “Pinky” and it stuck with her for the rest of her life.

She spent most of her time growing up on a dairy farm in the Parsons KS area, where she developed her love for animals, especially horses. She loved 4-H and riding with her cousins. She attended Labette County High School. As a young teenage girl, she liked to walk the “Main Drag” in Parsons with her cousins. On one particular evening she met a handsome blonde-haired boy fresh out of the navy from Independence, named Gene, who swept her off her feet. They were married a few short months later on June 18th, 1961 and stayed married for over 52 years until Gene’s passing.

Pinky passed on her love for horses to her children. Once Gene showed her how to hitch up a horse trailer there was no stopping her. She hauled kid and horse to any horseshow she could find. Pinky would stay up late sewing outfits for her daughter, so horse and rider matched. Later she developed a love for show goats and once again with trailer and daughter they traveled from Colorado to Kentucky showing goats. She built an amazing herd name “Hickory Farm” where buyers came from all around to look and purchase from this blood line. Not able to stop having animals, when it was time to move on from the goats, Pinky and Gene, along with their son Mike, opened a dog kennel on their farm for several more years.

Pinky was a homemaker while her children were in school. Once they were out of school and grown, she went to work for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher and later moved to administration until her retirement.

In retirement Pinky once again, took up needle and thread and made beautiful quilts for her family and friends. She donated several to charity and families in need anywhere.

She belonged to several groups and organizations over the years. She volunteered anywhere she felt there was a need. Her favorite group was the Wednesday lunch ladies that fast became family.

Pinky was a member of the First Christian Church of Elk City where she loved to serve the Lord and the community.

Pinky loved being around family. As a child she grew up with 10 aunts and several cousins that were like siblings to her. Gene used to say that she was the first to arrive and the last to leave any family gathering. Pinky loved being a grandma and looked forward to any family function with as many of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as, however many cousins could be there too.

Pinky is proceeded in death by her husband Gene Lewis, her parents, Eldon & Alta Coates and a brother Bud Coates.

She is survived by her 2 sons and bonus daughters: Gene & Sharlene Lewis, Winfield, Mike & Kate Lewis, Hutchison. Her Daughter and bonus son: Dee Dee & Monty Magner, Neodesha.

Her 6 granddaughters: Rebecca & Evan Brown, Nikole Chaput, Emily Lewis, Maegen & Vance Ritz, Claire Lewis, Chelsea Lewis. Her 6 great grandbabies: Abigail, Lilly, Daniel, Levi, Trinity and Katelyn

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Victory in the Valley Volunteer Organization where Pinky was a volunteer for several years.