Sara Frances Hinkle Lewis

1926 - 2010

13 Jan. 1926 - 29 Oct. 2010 Sara Frances Hinkle Lewis, 84, of Ventura, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. She was born at home on Jan. 13, 1926 in Pickens, S.C., to Silas Dover Hinkle and Mary Eileen Whitmire.

Frances, the fourth of seven children, was raised on a farm and worked the cotton fields at a young age. After graduating from Pickens High School in 1945, she journeyed to Burbank Calif., to visit her older brother and sister who had already sought a new life in the Golden State. At the Santa Barbara Mission in February 1949, she married the love of her life, George Bartow Lewis, Jr., her next door neighbor, who had recently returned from service in WWII; Frances and George were married for 45 glorious years. In 1963, they settled with their four children in Ventura.

Frances will be greatly missed by her four children: Bart Lewis of Camarillo (wife Kim), Tom Lewis of Paso Robles (wife Tanya), John Lewis of Newbury Park (wife Laura), Jane Montague of Ventura (husband Curt), and six grandchildren. Frances is also survived by two sisters, Pat Morrow of Burbank, Nancy Flesch of Eugene, Ore., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family was the foundation of her life. Frances always had an adventurous spirit and was affectionately called "goat" by her husband who appreciated her sure-foot hiking abilities and steadfastness. In the 1970s, with an empty nest looming on the horizon, Frances embarked on her personal educational endeavors, returning to Ventura College and earning her AA degree of which she was very proud. She became a prolific writer, immensely enjoying it as her avenue for her poetic talent and spiritual expression.

She compiled a collection of poems and co-authored a book "Experiencing the Healing Love of God" published in 1989. Frances was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church serving on the parish council in the 70s, and also of San Buenaventura Mission where she founded their healing ministry in the 80s. In the 1990s, she was active in outreach to those less fortunate, visiting the sick, elderly, and homebound.

Her ministry of service heightened her spiritual quest as evidenced by her writings. After the loss of her husband George in 1994, she remained involved in church activities, and spending time with her children and grandchildren, living each day to its fullest. Frances will always be remembered for her positive outlook on life; the glass always being half full. Frances appreciated the simple things in life and she especially enjoyed a good laugh. In her final years, she received the loving care of the staff of Moran Manor, especially Simona, Tonia, Rosa, Kika, Alicia, Julie, and Lola.

A celebration of life will begin on Friday at the Joseph P. Reardon Mortuary with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. On Saturday, November 6, an 11 a.m. Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura. Frances was entrusted to the care of the family owned Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, 757 E. Main St., Ventura; 643-8623.