Carol Lewis, 60, of Missoula and formerly of Colstrip, passed away Monday, January 8th due to injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident. Surrounded by family and friends, she passed peacefully to the recorded music of her beloved husband, Rich Lewis, whom she now joins.
Carol was born Friday, October 18th, 1963 to Rose and Charlie Anderson in Polson, MT. She graduated from Stevensville High School in 1981 and moved to Great Falls, MT to attend College of Great Falls, now University of Providence, from where she graduated with degrees in math and science education.
The College of Great Falls is also where Carol met her husband, and the love of her life, Rich Lewis. Carol and Rich were married August 11, 1984 in Stevensville, going on to have four children: Rick, Jessy, Nathan, and Caleb.
In addition to being a mother of four, Carol worked as a high school and middle school math teacher before transitioning to serving her community through the church, and then later—following months of hauling her camper between Columbus and Colstrip—as a Pharmacy Technician, helping staff the opening of the Colstrip branch of the Montana Family Pharmacy.
Carol loved watching her children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews play and coach sports; long walks with her dogs multiple times each weekday, more and longer on weekends; going on adventures near and far with her family; quilting; and baking. She loved giving, and routinely did so to her church, her friends, community members, and always—with great joy—spoiled her loved ones anytime she could.
Carol was a constant pillar of love, support, and encouragement throughout her life. Following the death of her husband, Rich, to colon cancer November 1, 2005, she modeled strength, love, and faith in continuing to raise and support her four children, building in them a connection that persists to and through this tragedy.
Carol was predeceased by her husband, Rich; maternal grandparents, Everett and Ruby Remillard; paternal grandparents, Mortinus and Florence Anderson; father-in-law, Tex; and many loved aunts and uncles. She is survived by her parents, Rose and Charlie; her mother-in-law, Kay; her children, Rick and his wife Hannah, Jessy, Nathan and his partner Emmy, and Caleb; her grandchildren, Samuel and Simon; as well as her sister, Cathy; brothers, Tom and Chuck; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
The family requests that donations be made to Syd’s Wish in lieu of flowers. Those wishing to contribute to Carol’s funeral Mass and celebration of life can donate to the family via GoFundMe. A vigil for Carol will be held Friday, April 26th and Carol’s funeral Mass and celebration of life will take place Saturday, April 27th in Colstrip, MT.