Penny Lee Lewis (62) formerly of Wheeler

Penny Lee Lewis, age 62, of Arkansas, and formerly of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 6:04 PM – Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois, after a short illness.

Private family services will be held, with a burial in the Wheeler Cemetery in Wheeler, Illinois.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois.  In loving memory of Penny, memorials may be made to the Meyer Funeral Home, to assist with expenses. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Penny was born on November 27, 1961, in Effingham, Illinois, the daughter of Alfred “Bill” and Rozella (Portlock) Lewis.  She graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1979 and Olney Central College in 1981.

Penny feared nothing and took on life as a challenge.  Her courage and fear-not attitude allowed her to experience life as an adventure, an ability most of us will never have or know.  Her oversized heart and generosity allowed her to not only make friends but keep them, leaving behind a trail of friendships expanding the states.  Penny also had an unconditional love for animals, with dogs at the top of the list, and she never met a set of paws that didn’t result in a wagging tail and life-long friendship. She will be forever missed by family, friends, and furry friends. 

Penny is survived by:
Sisters – Brenda Walker of Altamont, Illinois; Mary (John) Pickowitz of Mattoon, Illinois; and Julie Pitcher (Delbert Steffen) of Gila, Illinois
Nieces and Nephews – Dustin Granby, Kristan (Jarad) Schackmann, Angie (Leland) Brooke, Mallory, Sonny, Sam and Gary Pickowitz, and Lucas (Jenna) Pitcher
Several great nieces and nephews also survive
Best friend and loyal canine companion, Scout, whose heart is broken

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Judy Lewis, brothers-in-law, Mark Walker and Ben Pitcher, and many four-legged companions, including Cletus T. and Chelsea.