Chris Lewis went to be with her Savior on January 19, 2026, after an unexpected but mercifully brief bout with lung cancer.
She was born November 5, 1948, to Gene and Margaret Scott in
Abingdon, Illinois. Although she left Abingdon in the 1970's to relocate to Roscoe, Rockton, then Rockford, she always called Abingdon "home." She and her husband, Larry, were faithful about attending reunions right up to this past year. Life in Abingdon changed a great deal from the days when Chris would send a letter home from college addressed to "Mom & Dad" with a zip code. No stamp needed - her father was the local postman sorting the mail, and he would dutifully pay the nickel before opening her letter.
Chris drew joy and strength from two lifelong commitments: her love of Jesus and her love of family. She lived a life of quiet, faithful devotion - her Bible always nearby, the church a constant priority, and many old hymns a regular request. She emulated Jesus beautifully by welcoming and loving people wherever she met them.
But, if you wanted to get her excited, you asked her about her 3 children, 23 grandchildren, or 8 (and a half!) great-grandchildren. Chris was the happiest among a bustling house of relatives swapping stories, playing games, reading books, or just sitting. That was exactly how she left this world, almost as if she had scripted the transition from Earth to Heaven herself.
The family Chris left behind includes Larry, her husband of 56 years, and her three children, Jeffrey (Melissa) Lewis, Jason (Jessica) Lewis, and Jennifer (Daniel) Andreola. Grandchildren are Mariah (Aaron), Kathryn, Rebekah (Kyle), Zachary (Audrey), and Abigail; Jackie, Jacob (Hanna), Faith, Joseph, Isaac, Jessica, and Josiah; Christine (Elijah), Kay Leigh (David), Angela, Mary, and Emily. Great-grands are Rosalind, Elliot, Nathaniel, and Julian; Mackenzie and Brooklyn; Aubree and Titus. She is also survived by her two much-adored brothers, Don (Cathy) Scott and Jerry (Francie) Scott.
To allow time for gathering as much family as we can, a celebration service is being planned for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Central Christian Church in Rockford. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and a luncheon to follow. Memorials can be made to Central Christian Church in Rockford or Kids Hope USA for those who would like to honor Chris in that way. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.olsonfh.com .