Carolyn Lewis Obituary

Carolyn Zirfas Lewis, 87, of Maryville, died Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Carolyn was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Maryville, to Oliver and Mary (Heitman) Roney. She spent part of her childhood growing up on a farm with her siblings, Ellouise (Tote), Bill, and Nancy. Her favorite part was raising the baby lambs.

Later, the family moved to town, where Carolyn met many of her lifelong friends and graduated from Maryville High School in 1955.

On March 3, 1962, Carolyn married Cleo Zirfas. They had two children, Todd, in 1963, and Tanya, in 1964. Carolyn treasured her time at home with her children and being involved at St. Gregory’s Church and school. She loved card nights, coffee, and conversations with friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by Todd, in 1982, and Cleo, in 1990. She began working at Family Medicine in 1982 where she made many new friends and worked for over a decade. She loved meeting new people and helping others in difficult times.

On Dec. 26, 1992, Carolyn married Ronald Lewis and welcomed many wonderful family members into her life. After retirement, the two moved to Lake Viking where they enjoyed hosting family and friends and spending time out on their boat. Carolyn cherished her role as a grandmother, known as Mama, and she and Ron made frequent trips to Cedar Rapids with their little dog Ollie in tow.

Ron and Carolyn bought their dream house in Maryville, where they spent many happy days together.

Carolyn was preceded in death by Ron, in 2018; her stepson, Daniel Lewis; grandson, Robbie Lewis; brother, Bill Roney; sister, Ellouise Decker; and Ellouise& husband, Jerry.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Tanya (Jeffrey) Rosencrants; granddaughters, Madison (Nick) Michaud and Peyton Rosencrants; a great-grandson, Teddy Michaud; stepsons, Richard (Millie), Robert (Lynn), and Donnis (Rita) Lewis; daughter-in-law Rita Ann (Lewis) Hayes; many beloved step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister Nancy (Lee) Moser; sisters-in-law, Joyce and Zattie Lewis, Monica Zirfas, and brother-in-law Jerry Schieber.

A rosary will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, at St. Gregory’s Bargarigo Catholic Church in Maryville, with visitation to follow until 7:30.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 28, 2025, at St. Gregory’s, followed by a burial service at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Bram Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Nodaway County Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program and St. Gregory’s Catholic School.