Willa R. Waddle Lewis

Willa Rae Bardshar was born November 21, 1928 in Holdrege, Nebraska, the only child of Ted and Mildred Bardshar. She graduated from Holdrege High School where she was a cheerleader, then attended the University of Nebraska where she earned a Secretarial Degree in 1948. That same year, she married Craig C. Waddle of Lincoln, Nebraska. Willa and Craig had two sons, Ted Craig Waddle and John Ray Waddle, during their 22 years of marriage. They divorced in 1970.

Willa was active in the Christian Women's Club in Evergreen, Colorado, serving as Chairman for three years, greatly enjoying the fellowship of women from many different denominations.

Willa worked at Denver Seminary as Admissions Officer for 18 years, and was also active in Galilee Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, as a Deaconess, MOPS helper, and Sunday School teacher, as well as teaching English to Russians. In 2001, she married Dr. Gordon Lewis, and became active in Foothills Fellowship Church in Littleton, Colorado, helping with MOPS and Bible Studies. They were married for 15 years prior to Gordon's death in 2016.

Willa is survived by her two sons, Ted and John, granddaughters, Satori Anne Grace Marchitti, Caitlin Louise Waddle, Sarah Rose Waddle, and Eleanor Jane Waddle, and great grandchildren, Carmella Anne Marchitti and Michael Dominick Marchitti.

Willa, a prolific Artist, loved life and enjoyed traveling and painting in Mexico, Hawaii, Italy, France, and especially Romania, where she spent much time helping with missionary work. Her paintings can be seen in local galleries, churches, homes, and offices in Colorado. Proceeds from her arts are given to missions. She has also enjoyed many times with family and friends at their Colorado mountain cabin on Red Feather Lake, where she attended Morning Star Community Church.

Willa died peacefully March 23^rd, 2019, at the age of 90. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Horan McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, Colorado, 80227, followed by the burial at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery, 7777 W 29^th Ave., Wheatridge, Colorado 80033.

Please share memories of Willa and condolences with her family by signing the online guestbook below.

Celebration of Life: April 9, 2019 11:00 am

Horan & McConaty - SW Denver/Lakewood
3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80227

Graveside Service: April 9, 2019 2:15 pm

Crown Hill Cemetery
7777 W. 29th Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033