Darlene Romae (Schroeder) Lewis

 On March 4, 2023, Darlene peacefully passed away at the age of 80, in Merced, California.

 Darlene was born in Duluth, Minnesota on May 9, 1942. She was the fourth of five children born to Irving and Helen Schroeder, before they moved to Stockton, California where she grew up and attended school. 

She was married to Jim Lewis in 1973 and shortly thereafter they began their family dairy business, first in Farmington, then Modesto and on to Merced. They operated their dairy for more than twenty years before retiring and briefly farming almonds. In their early years they enjoyed many weekends attending Tractor and Truck Pulls with Ted & Vernetta and Ronnie & Roy. They eventually joined the San Joaquin Valley Tractor Pulling Assn. where they began their long journey of participating in Tractor Pulls throughout California with Big Mo and Rust Bucket, which created many lifelong friendships. 

 Darlene always had an open door, she loved hosting family and friends for the holidays and other gatherings. These usually included many hours of fun spent visiting, eating, playing cards and enjoying a red beer or her favorite, a beer with a green olive in it! 

She enjoyed visits to the coast, working on picture puzzles, word searches and creating ceramics. She always looked forward to spending time with her daughter Cherie, going to lunch and having fun on their shopping excursions.

 Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved every occasion she was able to spend with them. 

Darlene is survived by her three children; Cherie (Charles)Tatum, Bobbi (Bob) Schafer and Wade (Lori) McGraw; as well as five grandchildren Brent, Grant, Brian, Clent and Breann and five great-grandchildren. Her sister Sandy survives her, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members too numerous to mention.

 Darlene was proceeded in death by her husband Jim Lewis, siblings Ronnie (Roy), Serona and Tex. 

Darlene was survived by her loving canine companion Sophie, who remained faithfully by her side for the past 20 years.

 A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday April 1, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Buhach Hall - 2889 N. Buhach Rd. Atwater, California.

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