Nellie (Bay) Lewis

Nellie (Bay) Lewis, age 94, of Albia, Iowa died Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Monroe County Hospital in extended care in Albia. Nellie was born September 7, 1913 in Monroe County near Albia to Hilas Linley and Alma Maude (Bell) Bay. Nellie married James Max Lewis in her parents? home on July 1, 1956. They spent their lives on a farm in Monroe County before Max?s death on May 22, 1980. After graduating high school, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree from William Penn College in Oskaloosa and further hours at Drake University. She taught school for 26 years in rural Blakesburg, Eddyville, and Ottumwa. She joined the Cuba Christian Church in 1928 just east of Avery. After the Cuba church closed, she transferred her membership to the First Christian Church in Albia where she served in many offices such as: Elder, Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and several offices in the women?s group. Over the course of Nellie?s life she?s accomplished many things and held many offices including: Sunday School Superintendant, Vacation Bible School Teacher, CWF President, Monroe County Rural Women?s Chorus, 4-H leader, and member of Farm Bureau. Nellie is survived by her four nieces, Susan Louise Bay of Omaha, NE, Catherine Marie Bay of Albia, Marilyn Elaine Bay of Albia, Ruthanne Ella Bay of Urbandale, and many cousins and friends. Nellie was preceded in death by her parents Hilas and Alma; her husband, Max; her sister, Margaret Bell Bay; two brothers, Paul Linley Bay in infancy and Stanley Leo Bay, and his wife, Emily Ella (Newlin) Bay; and one niece, Frances Carolyn Bay.