Cathy Ann (Chapman) Lewis died on March 17, 2026, in Hillsboro. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Lewis was born on April 13, 1943, at Twelve Mile, MO, to Pearl and Lewis “Buck” Chapman. She spent most of her childhood in Mill Creek, MO, growing up as the youngest of nine children. Life was simple in those days, and she treasured the close bonds she shared with her family. She was especially close to her sister, Judy, and their bond remained strong throughout their lifetimes. Mrs. Lewis also loved spending time with her many nieces and nephews, and the stories of her adventures with all the nieces and nephews are still fondly shared today.
On April 14, 1973, at the age of 30, she married Melvin Lewis. The couple spent most of their lives in Fredericktown, MO, where she worked for many years at Tinnin’s Garment Factory. In May of 1975, they welcomed their only child together, Melanie.
During her daughter’s early childhood, Mrs. Lewis poured her love into caring for her daughter. For the first seven years of her daughter’s life, she made nearly all of her daughter’s clothing. Providing for her daughter, especially when resources were limited, was always her greatest priority. When Cabbage Patch Dolls first came out, the two picked out the perfect one and placed it on layaway. The doll only stayed there a short time, though, because Mrs. Lewis found some way to purchase it the very next day because her daughter was so excited about it.
In 2014, her daughter moved her and Melvin to Hillsboro, so that she could care for them in their later years. What began as a practical decision turned into some of the most treasured years of Mrs. Lewis’ life. The Lewises truly thrived there. Seeing their grandchildren regularly brought them so much happiness, and they loved attending community events, getting to know their neighbors, and becoming part of the Hillsboro community.
After her husband’s passing, Mrs. Lewis began experiencing things she had never had the chance to do before. Travel became one of her greatest joys. One of her proudest stories to tell was about her trip to New York City, and she loved telling everyone she met about meeting Hoda Kotb from The Today Show. During that trip, she also enjoyed visiting Washington, D.C. which was another adventure she never thought she would have.
The following year, Mrs. Lewis and her daughter traveled to Disney World together, creating another special memory. But perhaps the most adventurous trip came after Mrs. Lewis turned 80, when she got a passport for the first time and boarded a plane with her daughter and two of her granddaughters to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Seeing the ocean for the first time and walking along the beach was something she never forgot. Her last adventure was a bus tour to Pigeon Forge, TN, where she enjoyed the mountains and country entertainment.
Mrs. Lewis loved her apartment in Hillsboro and took great pride in making it feel like home. She enjoyed decorating and redecorating, sometimes weekly, just because it made her happy. She also loved scrolling through Facebook (the one thing she sort of knew how to do on her phone) and telling her daughter all about everything she saw, even if her daughter had likely already seen it. She never did figure out how to make her own posts, but seeing what everyone else posted kept her entertained.
Mrs. Lewis is survived by her daughter, Melanie (husband Chris) Sherer; along with her three granddaughters, Hannah (husband Ryan) Piehl, and their two sons, Chloe Sherer and fiancé JD Webb and Mia Sherer. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Brenda Johnson, Buck Lewis, Diane Millican, Hairl Lewis and Beverly Lundy, as well as her brother, William “Bill” Chapman and wife, Peggy, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Melvin; her parents; and her siblings, Lela Pirtle, Oletha Parsons, Stella Matthews, Sam Chapman, Avis Matthews, Marvin Chapman and Judy Works Lankford, as well as several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her life was not defined by grand things, but by the love she gave, the sacrifices she made and the memories she created with the people she cared about most. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her quiet strength and the joy she found in life’s simple moments. Her stories, laughter and love will continue to live on in the family she cherished so deeply.
