Nathalia Lewis

Nathalia "Taylor" Leach Lewis, our treasured mother and grandmother, passed peacefully from this life to the next on August 10, 2013. She was born in Kanab, Utah on March 30, 1926 to Albert Edward Howell Leach and Alice Evelyn Waters Leach. She was the fourth of their five children, three brothers, William "Bill" Clemm Leach, Trevor Kenneth Leach, Theophilus Moss Leach, and one sister, Loreeta Mitchell.

Because Taylor grew up during the great depression her family moved around quite a bit. She lived at her families' Bald Knoll Ranch, under the red hills in Kanab, and in Salt Lake City with her Grandma Waters. It didn't matter where she lived, happy adventures could always be found with her adored siblings.

Taylor was an excellent student. She always did her best and excelled in school. It has been said that she helped some of her classmates earn good grades because they talked her into doing their work too!

Taylor was an independent soul. At barely 17, she hopped on a bus and headed for Phoenix to marry her sweetheart, Evan "Dick" Lewis on April 11, 1943. They lived in Phoenix for a short time and then returned to Fredonia to make their home. Evan and Taylor had five children, Carolyn (Evan) Chynoweth, Richard (Bonnie) Lewis, Pam (Dennis) MacDonald, Jeff Lewis, and one son who died at birth, Brad Lewis. They were married nearly 65 years when Evan passed away in 2008. Family was her number one priority and she always made a point to get everyone together for holiday's, family parties, camp-outs, and road trips! She was always ready to load up and enjoy a family outing!

Taylor was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a member of the Fredonia Women's Club, a cook for the Head Start program, librarian at the Fredonia City Library, and volunteered at many civic events. Taylor was a devoted citizen and loved the town of Fredonia.

Mom loved to keep busy doing projects. She refinished furniture, made exquisite silver and turquoise jewelry, beautiful porcelain dolls, and her passion was making quilts. All of her children, grand children, and most of her great-grand children have gorgeous quilts that she has made for them. Taylor loved to garden and spend time working in her stunning yard. She was also an amazing salesperson! She sold Avon in Fredonia for 20+ years. At one time she was the top Avon representative for the entire state of Arizona! During her retirement years she took up golf, never conquered the sport, but enjoyed every minute she spent with the ladies on the course!

Granny was a great example not only to her children, but her 14 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. She never missed a holiday, birthday, or activity, and was ALWAYS looking for a good time. We will never forget things like Granny screaming "look out below" as she skidded down the mountain at her first ski lesson at the age of 68. We also learned that "only cowards cook on low" because she was a really fast cook! We learned how to have fun by watching her!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 11 a.m. Arizona time (12 noon Utah time) at the Fredonia LDS chapel. There will be visitation from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. (10:30 - 11:45 Utah time) prior to the services. Interment will be in the Fredonia Cemetery.