Yvonne F. Lewis

Yvonne F. Lewis, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, made her final journey home on Saturday, November 22, 2025, as Jesus drew her close and into eternal life. She was a humble beauty with an admirable work ethic and determination, an epic doer of all that needed to done, and a woman who, like her own mom, never wanted to miss out on anything.

Yvonne was born on July 1, 1932, in Barnes City, Iowa, to George and Virginia Nicholson. The firstborn of six children, she was well regarded by her younger siblings as a second mom. Whether it was walking home from school mid-day for lunch, fixing whatever her dad had grown in their big garden, or pulling the littles up the hill in a wagon to where their babysitter lived. Her spirit of selfless caring for her family became a hallmark of her life. Yvonne graduated from Colfax High School in 1950. She moved to Des Moines to attend the American Institute of Business on a Secretarial Scholarship that she received with the help of her High School English teacher. Darwin, her high school prom date, who had had his eyes on her since they were freshmen, began his pursuit of her. Once in Des Moines, they started dating, fell in love, and became engaged. Upon their engagement, Yvonne’s future mother-in-law encouraged her to write their love story and submit it to The Bride & Groom show, which aired on CBS television. As the story goes, Yvonne chronicled their love story on paper, capturing the highlights of their dating and engagement journey. She tucked their love story in an envelope along with their graduation photos, and off to NYC the letter went.

The rest was history. A telegram from Western Union notified them of their acceptance. They were married in NYC on March 24, 1952. Their love story will be remembered forever as one that never ends.

Darwin and Yvonne favorite years together were spent in Mitchelville, Iowa at “the farm” where they made their home following the birth of their three older children. Their fourth child arrived later. While Yvonne held several secretarial positions throughout her career, the most rewarding was working at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny. She began as a librarian and eventually became the Secretary to the Dean of Students. She treasured her 20 years at Faith, considering it her mission field to do her part in supporting the education department in training and raising students studying for the ministry, all for the glory of God. In addition to her secretarial talents, Yvonne spread her wings as an entrepreneur when, along with her best friend Elva Lou, she became a business partner and launched a boutique children’s store in Ankeny called LuVonne’s Tots to Teens.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Virginia Nicholson; her sister, Sheila Wright; and her brother, Dale Nicholson.

She is survived by Darwin, her husband of 73 years; and her children, LuAnn (Kip) Kuyper, Deena Birk, Randy (Andrea) Lewis, and Shelli Maness; her 12 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her siblings, Nancy Ginnever, Sandra Grimm, and Gary Nicholson.

Yvonne’s legacy is one of deep faith and quiet witness. She chose to express that by the way she lived her life and how she interacted with family, friends, and neighbors. She is remembered for being the prayer champion for her family, faithfully praying daily for each of her beloved family members.

The Lewis family would like to thank Woodlands Creek/Silvercrest Assisted Living for the loving care they provided Yvonne over the past two years. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation to Suncrest Hospice, which provided additional care alongside Silvercrest. Yvonne was fond of her caregivers and called each one by their name.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at McKeever Cemetery in Colfax, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any memorial contributions be given to: Suncrest Home Health and Hospice: 5959 Village View Dr. #100, West Des Moines, IA