Betty D. (Tungett) Lewis

Betty Darling (Tungett) Lewis, 96, peacefully walked into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 27, 2025.

She was born July 22, in Alton, the eldest of six children born to Clarence and Ethel (Dunbar) Tungett.

Bright and determined from the very beginning, she was so gifted in school that she skipped both the second and fourth grades, a reflection of her intelligence and drive that would follow her throughout her life. From a young age, she also carried a love for music in her heart. At just ten years old, she entered and won her first yodeling contest, sparking a lifelong love for Country music that brought her joy.

For 40 years, Betty dedicated her career to Olin Corporation. Her time there was spent helping many others find employment. Countless lives were changed through her kindness and support. Betty had a deep love for baseball, especially "HER" St. Louis Cardinals. Game days were sacred to her so much so that she would refuse to take phone calls while the Cardinals were playing.

After retirement, Betty devoted her time to serving as treasurer for the American Cancer Society. She also enjoyed traveling with friends. Perhaps most special of all, she became her father's regular breakfast partner at "Kumar's Restaurant", a simple but precious routine.

In her later years she was confined to a wheelchair, but her big personality was a blessing to many. Her sense of humor was witty; her fashion sense was classic; and her ability to fight injustice for someone was impressive.

She was the dear mother of three daughters, Janice Helmkamp, Jean (Gary) Hunt and Melodie (Michael) Smith whom she raised with her former husband, Sherwood Lewis. She taught us the importance of the Lord and Family.

She is survived by her daughters and her grandchildren: Jeff (Nan) Helmkamp, Julie Helmkamp, Brittany (Caleb) Sasser, Brett (Melissa) LaBoube and Tiffany (Matthew) Perry; great grandchildren: Amanda Crabtree, Haley (Brandon) Snow, Steven (Toni) Stackpole, Kendall (Tim) Klocke, Kinsley Sasser, Layna, Everly, and Camden LaBoube, Logan Plank, Levi Perry, Aubrey Perry and David Goforth; great-great grandchildren: Adeline and Ayden Snow, Eddie Crabtree, Aubrey and Bryan Stackpole.; siblings: JoAnn (Jim) Cassidy, Marlene Manning, Alan (Debbie) Tungett, Dwight (Laura) Tungett, and sister-in-law, Joyce Mandorca; son -in-love, Ken (Karen) LaBoube; numerous nieces and nephews: Don Tungett, Terry Tungett, Mary Lou Steckel, Vicki Osborn, Scot Manning, Don McDonough, Kit Cassidy, Missy McKenna, Michael Tungett, Rachel Bennett, Stephen Tungett, Bethany Wassink, Keith, Chad, and Kyle Hulker, Stacy Harman, Brent Mandorca, Laurie Robinson, Maureen Hammon, and Scott Lewis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Gene Tungett; her former husband, Sherwood Lewis; son-in-law, Jay Helmkamp; sisters-in-law, Louise, Sherry and Helga; brothers-in-law, Lloyd, Coney, Dennis, Girard; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Smith.

Her Evergreen Family, who we will always be thankful for the time they allowed her to spend time with her beloved "Sophie". The care and love you showed her and her family we will treasure.

A Memorial Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at 12 pm, Saturday, September 6 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Her nephew, U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Commander Michael Tungett will officiate.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints" - Psalms 116:15

"PLAY BALL"

Memorials are suggested to Evergreen Senior Living, 100 Glenhaven , Alton or Alton 5 A's.

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