
Doris I. Lewis, age 89, of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Salem Township Hospital surrounded by her family.
Born on June 27, 1936, in Salem, Illinois, Doris was the daughter of T.J. “Boots” Wilkins and Nelda (Shaffer) Wilkins.
On March 6, 1959, she married the love of her life, Robert L. “Bobby” Lewis, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Together they shared 61 cherished years before his passing in 2020.
Doris dedicated 48 years of service at Fabick Tractor Company, where her reliability and strong work ethic were deeply valued. Outside of work, she found great joy in sewing and quilting, talents that reflected both her creativity and care for others. She was also a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the pride of her life.
She is survived by her daughter, Indea Tate and husband Tom of Salem; her grandchildren, Josh Tate and wife Kelsey of Salem, Jenna Tate of Salem, and Jacob Tate and wife Kayla of Carlyle; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Riley, Emma, Griffin, and Greyson Tate. She is also survived by her siblings, Ivan Wilkins and wife Joyce of Salem, Dorothy Keen of Kinmundy, June Woolridge of Centralia, Kim Meadows and husband Johnny of Tennessee, and Andra Malone and husband Rich of Texas; along with her sister-in-law, Judy Wilkins of Alma.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bobby; a grandson, Jordan Thomas Tate; and her siblings, Paul Wilkins, Joe Wilkins, Janie Wilkins, and Myra Wilkins.
In accordance with Doris’s wishes, a graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, with Danny Shuler officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Salem, Illinois and will be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can left at www.CrouseFH.com.
