Bernita Louise (Brown) Lewis, entered into eternal life at home, May 30, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Bremerton, Wash., Oct 13, 1937, to Allen and Louise (Sheldon) Ledford.
Bernita is survived by her beloved husband, Bill Lewis; children, Natasha (Greg) DeWolfe, Seattle, Wash.; Richard (Becki,) Miller, Tulalip, Wash.; Lynn (Mike) Parker, Tulalip; Kenneth (De Anna) Wells, Lynden; Gail (Geary) Miller, Tulalip; step-children, Bobbie, Lynn, Donita, David and Ted; grandchildren, Lmdsey, Ryan, Joshua Miller, Eric, Angel Cortez, Chayce Parker, Tyler, Nicholas and Shannon Wells, Carmen and Dylan Miller; great-grandchildren, Evalea, Angel Marie and Benjamin; siblings, Alan (Jean) Ledford, Sun City, Ariz., Dean (Ella) Ledford, Marysville, Wash.; Vern (LaVern) Ledford, Marysville; very, very special and dear sister, Shari Petersen, of Marysville.
Bernita leaves behind her Aunt Bernice, Aunt Kate and Uncle Charles Red Sheldon and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Louise Ledford; late husband, Robert Brown.
She attended schools in the Marysville School District and was a baton twirler with the high school band. Bernita was a member and an elder of the Tulalip Tribes, member of the St. Annes Catholic church and she was employed by the Tulalip Tribes T.E.R.O. commission. She was the T.E.R.O. commissioner from 2001, when it originated. Bernita has been awarded T.E.R.O Commissioner of the Year 2007. She has been active in Workforce Investments Act, Employment Assistant, Native Employment Works.
She has been an avid traveler, home and abroad and a follower of her grandchildrens sports activities. She always enjoyed having large family gatherings and preparing delicious meals during the holidays. Bernita will be sorely missed and loved by all.
Interfaith service was held Sunday, June 3, 2007, at 6 p.m. at Schaffer-Shipman Funeral Home. Viewing was from 5 – 6 p.m., Sunday. Funeral Services were at 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2007, Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, Marysville. Burial at Mission Beach Cemetery.