Alice Alline Lewis (nee Regenhardt)

Alice Alline Lewis (nee Regenhardt) passed away May 2, 2017. Alice was born March 24, 1925 to Lois Alline (nee McNeely) and Ted R. Regenhardt in Cape Girardeau. Her father was associated with his father and brothers in the Regenhardt Construction Company. The family moved every year or every other year following their highway construction jobs throughout Illinois and eastern Missouri. Her grandfather, Edward Regenhardt, was the general contractor for the construction of Academic Hall, the main administration building of what is now Southeast Missouri State University and a Cape Girardeau landmark. By the time she was high school age, her parents moved the family back to Cape permanently. She attended Franklin School for the 9th grade, and Cape Central high school the next 3 years, and next attended Southeast Missouri State Teachers College, where she graduated with a B.S. degree in Secondary Education, specializing in Home Economics. Her first job was as a teacher in Lawrence, IL. The next year she worked in St. Louis County as an assistant home extension agent. She married Freeman Lewis, owner of Wimpy's Drive In and Grocery on September 25, 1948. They joined Centenary Methodist Church later that year. In 1969, Alice began work as an elementary Guidance counselor for the Sikeston Public Schools. In 1970, she went back to SEMO and worked on her master’s degree in elementary guidance counseling, accomplishing her goal in 1973, the same year her son Rob graduated from SEMO. She retired from her work in Sikeston after 20 years, in 1989. She belonged to the Missouri State Teacher’s Association and was a charter member of the Professional Home Economists organization. Active in the life of Centenary Methodist Church for 68 years, she served in several capacities: church secretary, nursery coordinator, church board of trustees, and various United Methodist Women offices. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and P.E.O. Alice loved to read, play bridge and assemble jigsaw puzzles. She embroidered quilts for her grandchildren as well as creating needlepoint pictures and chair covers. A love of travel took her across the U.S. and one trip to Europe. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Freeman. They have two sons, Rob (Diane) Lewis of San Antonio, Texas and Jon (Susan) Lewis of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Grandchildren Sarah (Thomas) Satterwhite, Angela (Justin) Morgan, and Stephen Lewis. Great-grandchildren Blake and Emily Satterwhite. She is also survived by her brother Don (Linda) Regenhardt of Chevy Chase, MD; one cousin, Joe (Mary Alice) Regenhardt of Cape Girardeau; six nephews and eight nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Teddy and a sister Dee Ann, both when young children. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 7th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis in Cape Girardeau. A memorial service will follow Sunday at 3:00 pm at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church.

Tributes

Alice Alline Lewis (nee Regenhardt)

March 24, 1925 - May 2, 2017