Lewis McKellip

Lewis (Lewie) McKellip, of Nampa passed away suddenly from complications after surgery on Friday, Dec. 16, 2005 at the age of 71. Lewis was born on June 23rd, 1934, at Mathenson, Colo. In the fall of 1935, the family moved from Colorado to Nampa, Idaho, and in the spring of 1936 moved to the Melba area where his father farmed. Lewis attended Melmont Elementary School, Lone Tree School north of Nampa (where during the first grade he and his future wife, Anne held hands on the playground and smashed brown ground pods together), Bennett School south of Nampa and later Glendale and Melba schools, graduating from Melba High School. He then attended McPherson College for two years. On Aug. 20, 1954, he married his sweetheart Anne Eiler. Following their wedding, they left for New Windser, Md., where they served two years in the Brethren Church Volunteer Service. He and Anne then returned to the Nampa area where he perused his love for farming. He was especially challenged to take a run-down place, clean it up and then, grow model crops. Sugar beets and mint were two of his favorite crops to grow. In the early 1980´s, he had the opportunity to purchase mint oil for I.P. Callison Company. Lewis retired from farming in the late 80´s to pursue a career in the mint industry, purchasing mint oil and serving as a consultant for Wm Leman Company. Being a creative perfectionist, Lewis developed a new strain of mint and designed a miniature research distillery which functioned like a commercial distillery. He also conducted many experiments in growing and harvesting mint. His book So You Want to Grow Better Mint is a guide to growing mint. These were good years, and Lewis and Anne traveled many places for the companies during this time. After retiring from the mint business, Lewis created a simulated gold mind behind the large pond he designed. The pond led to two weddings, so he and Anne decided to go into the wedding business. One of his greatest blessings was acquiring the old McMillan Chapel and restoring it into a beautiful, holy wedding chapel. He and Anne hoped it would be an inspiration to many people. Lewis had a strong faith in God and attended the First Christian Church in Nampa. Lewis was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents. He is survived by his wife Anne and six children; Robert (Susan) McKellip, Nampa; Pattie (Bret) Fowler, Nampa; Linda Patterson, Meridian; Sherry (David) Dewey, Boise; Mary Lou (Rick) Ellis, Boise; and Michael (Corrine) McKellip, Athens Ga.; and two brothers Dean McKellip, Boise; and David (Deanna) McKellip, Boise. He also had 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005 at the Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. South, Nampa, Idaho 83651; 466-3545. Interment will follow the services at the Lower Fairview Cemetery. Friends my come a visit the family on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005 at the Funeral Home form 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.