After struggling with the disease of Alzheimer's for the past year, Roger Eugene Lewis, 83, of Sterling, passed away Oct. 24, 2009, in Sterling. His family was given the gift of being with him as he passed peacefully. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 29, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Berean Church, with the Rev. Dan Holsten officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.
Roger was born May 22, 1926, to Maurice Reed and Orpha Elizabeth (Cossey) Lewis in Sterling.

He entered the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving from March 1944 until May 1946.

On June 12, 1948, Roger married Jean Jacqueline Hartway in Sterling. They were married for 61 years.
He worked for Maggard Electric Co. and began farming in the early 1950s, until moving to town in 2001.
Roger was a member of First Presbyterian Church, B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 1336 and American Legion Post No. 20. He enjoyed golfing.

Everyone that met Roger knew his life was dedicated to his family, friends and his love of farming and cattle feeding.

He is survived by his wife, Jean "Jackie" Lewis of Sterling; daughters, Cyndi Holt and husband Steve of Bridgeport, Neb., and Green Valley, Ariz., Cheri Johnson of Fort Morgan and Lisa Blach and husband Bob of Sterling; sister, Ann Kerchal and husband Ron of Sterling; brother, Danny Lewis of Casper, Wyo.; grandsons, Dr. Ryan Johnson of Fort Morgan, Eric Johnson of Fort Collins, David Holt of Loveland, Kyle Blach of Fort Collins and Jordan Blach of Sterling; special friends, Margaret McIntire and Connie Clark, both of Sterling; and sister-in-law, Laurine Lewis of Sterling.

Roger was preceded in death by an infant daughter; and brothers, Ernie Lewis and Neil Lewis.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Plains.