Vada Louise Lewis left this world into the welcoming arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at Mennonite Friendship Communities. She was born March 2, 1922, in Partridge, to Carl and Hazel (Anderson) O’Hara. Vada graduated from Partridge High School in 1940, and continued her education at Emporia Teaching College, graduating in 1950. She taught elementary school for Castleton, Partridge, and Elreka school districts. Vada received her Master’s Degree in Education from Sterling College. On July 25, 1965, at Partridge Community Church, she married Galen Epperson. He passed away July 25, 1983. On April 21, 1991, at Partridge Community Church, she married Carl Lewis. He survives. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a lifetime member at Partridge Community Church. Vada was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society, the church choir, and the Women’s Fellowship group.
Other survivors include: daughters, Janet Nichols and husband Charles of Lenexa, and Patti Yust and husband Steve of Sylvia; stepson, Chuck Lewis and wife Vicky of Derby; stepdaughters, Linda Henderson and husband Wayne of Partridge, and Nancy Eales and husband Dean of Hutchinson; sister, Glenna Hendershot and husband Maurice of Wichita; brother, Duane O’Hara and wife Gail of Benton; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Vada was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Galen Epperson.
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Partridge Community Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, 67501.

The Hutchinson News -- FEB. 22, 2015