Lonna Lewis

Lonna Lewis
Big Rapids, Michigan
05/22/2025
Lonna Lewis, of Big Rapids, Michigan, eternally "39," passed away at her home on May 22, 2025. She will be reunited with her partner in life, William "Bill" Lueth, whom she missed dearly over the past eleven weeks, as well as her cherished son, LaWayne Hill.
Born on April 8, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Robert ("Bob") and Shirley Baker, Lonna attended Howard City High School, where she met one of her lifelong friends Sharon "Dee" Brooks. Despite many challenges throughout her life, Lonna was dedicated to her family and determined to provide a good life for her children and grandchildren. Overcoming poverty at an early age, Lonna was a resilient, hard-working mother, often holding down two and even three jobs, at times. She ultimately and proudly found her career calling at ANR Pipeline in Big Rapids, where she was hired in the 1980's as the only female engine mechanic at that facility. Later in her career, she successfully studied for, and was promoted to, an engine technician, and was the only female technician in her company-wide training class. Ultimately, she was promoted to a management position, again becoming one of the first women in company history to hold such a title. After her "retirement" from the company, she returned as a contract employee and worked in the administration offices with one of her best friends, Barbara Park, until she retired for a second time. In her free time, Lonna enjoyed tackling home projects, playing cards with Bill and friends, religiously watching re-runs of "Columbo," walking through her neighborhood, where she forged friendships with virtually everyone, and making occasional trips to the casino with Bill. Lonna was famously known for her unwavering kindness and ability to strike up friendly conversations with anyone. But her favorite pastime was by far simply spending quality time visiting with Bill and all members of her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Valerie (Jim) Lyons; her son, John (Cassandra) Lewis; and grandchildren, John (Brittney) Lyons, Ana Lyons, Ph.D., Dr. Renae Lyons, Lindy Haskins, Jameson Lewis, and Claire Lewis; great-grandchildren, Ruby and Delilah Haskins; and Bill's children, Kellie (Dan) Newton and Veronica (Brent) Pechumer; and numerous of Bill's beloved family.
She was preceded in death by Bill; LaWayne; her parents; her sister, Shirley Baker; her brothers, Robert ("Bobby") Baker and Larry Baker; former husband and forever friend, Kenneth Lewis; and Bill's daughter, Carrie Thames.
Christian funeral mass will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1009 Marion Avenue, Big Rapids. Luncheon to follow immediately after. Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes in Big Rapids.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ARC of Mecosta County. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.daggettfuneral.com.