Nancy Jean Burwell

Nancy Jean Burwell, 70, of Chubbuck, passed away peacefully at her home on January 1, 2009.

Nancy was born on February 12, 1938 in Pocatello, ID, to Daw and Josephine Ruchti. She was raised for many years by her grandparents, Ernest and Mable Ruchti. Her father later remarried Evelyn Ruchti, whom Nancy was very close to over the years and often referred to her as "mom".

She attended Emerson Elementary, Irving Junior High and Pocatello High School, graduating in 1956. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and loved her time serving in the Primary.

She married Eddie Lewis, on October 27, 1956. They had three children, Randy, Stacey and Terri. They were later divorced. She married Wayne Hopkins and later was divorced. She married Dee Burwell and they were later divorced.

Over the years Nancy worked at the Union Pacific Railroad, Chubbuck Elementary, Common Cents, Ernst, Anderson Lumber and most recently the Pine Ridge Mall. She was an extremely hard worker and enjoyed working with all the friends she met along the way.

In her life, she enjoyed bowling, camping, snowmobiling, ceramics, aerobics, and especially playing with her cat, Bubbles. He was her entertainment and gave her a lot of joy. Her grandchildren were very special to her. She was particularly happy to have been able to see and play with her two great-grandchildren, Bryson and Braelynn Smith. Grandma will be missed by all her grandkids: Chris Howerton, Cory (Kristine) Howerton, Kim (Val) Smith, Josh Howerton, Dee Jay Exeter, Kasey Exeter, Tara Exeter, Tasha Exeter, Scott Lewis, Orin Lewis and Chancy Lewis.

Survivors include her brother, Ross (Anita) Ruchti; son, Randy Lewis of Emmett, Idaho; daughter, Stacey (Brent) Marshall of Idaho Falls; daughter Terri (Dennis) Exeter of Fort Hall; ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, sister JoAnn, and grandson, David Exeter. The family would like to extend thanks to all who befriended our mother and offered her friendship and a helping hand. A special thanks to her grandson, Chris, for the many hours of special care he gave to his grandma. She will be missed by many dear friends, especially Carol and Mel Adamson, Roylene Monson, Rosie Closky, and Dottie (Harold) Lewis Catmull.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday January 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and on Tuesday one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Mountainview Cemetery.