Rhoda Sussman Lewis, 91, passed away at her home in Richland, Wash. on June 30, 2014. Her parents were Joseph and Minnie Sussman of Tacoma, Wash., where she grew up with her three siblings, Leslie, Beatrice, and Joanne. She attended the University of Washington where she studied journalism and was a member of Phi Sigma Sigma sorority as well as an editor for the University Daily. She married Milton Lewis in 1943 and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage before his death in 2001. They were among the founders of and active in Beth Shalom synagogue in Richland. She wrote advertising and was a homemaker known for her clever sense of humor, creative writing ability, and strong and generous spirit. She traveled broadly with her husband, was an avid golfer, skier and water-skier and grew prize-winning roses, enjoying many summers on the Columbia River with her neighbors and friends. She is survived by her sister Joanne Arfin (Bernard) of Palo Alto, Calif.; her children Jeanne Lewis Pantone (Owen Chariton) of Lakewood, Colo., Robin O’Hearn (Chris) of Wenatchee, and Mitchell Lewis of Kennewick; her granddaughter Rachel Chariton of Lakewood; and many nephews and nieces. Her memory will be cherished with love by her family and friends.
Donations can be made to Congregation Beth Sholom, P.O. Box 761, Richland, WA 99352, or SIGN Fracture Care International, signfracturecare.org.