Alpha "Merle" Lewis, 88 of Effingham, passed away at 2:05 a.m., Sunday, January 19, 2014 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, Wednesday morning at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice. www.bauerfh.com

Merle was born February 10, 1925 in Norphlet, Arkansas, the daughter of Ollie and Beulah (Hayes) Harper. She married Elvin C. Lewis on September 27, 1947 and he preceded her in death in 2002. Merle was a member of First Christian Church in Effingham, where she had taught Sunday school and was the song leader for several years. She was also an active former board member of E.C.C.O.A. Merle began her career as executive assistant to the president and later retired as director of consumer service at Sanford Corporation in Bellwood.

Merle is survived by her daughter, Connie (Todd Schraml) Youmans of Milwaukee, WI; son, Van (Patty) Lewis of Berwyn; two grandchildren, Samantha and Danielle; brother, Donald (Dorothy) Harper of DesPlaines; brother-in-law, Rev. Carroll (Elinor) Lewis of Effingham; sisters-in-law, Velma LeBel Grady and Lois Galloway, both of Effingham and Ina Brant of Clay City; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Elvin.