Ramona Gayle Lewis

Ramona “Gayle” Lewis, 74, of Oblong, IL, passed away on March 12, 2025, in the comfort of her home. Born on March 10, 1951, in Robinson, IL, she was the daughter of Harold F. “Red” Lewis & Joy D. (Bruner) Lewis-Collings, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her paternal grandparents, Orville Brody Lewis & Mary Zelma Lewis, and her maternal grandparents, Doisy & Gilberta Bruner.

She is survived by her son and greatest pride and joy, Trinity Kyle Lewis; by her siblings, Jerry & Ruth Lewis, Billy Lewis & Cheryl, and Jennifer Darlene Russell; by her aunt, Carol Bruner Allen; as well as several nieces and nephews, including her caretaker, Michele Lewis.

Gayle grew up with her grandmother, Zelma, and from an early age, she had two great loves: horses and Elvis . Her bedroom was practically a shrine to the King, and if you ever found yourself wondering what to get her for Christmas, the answer was simple—something Elvis! But as much as she loved the music, nothing compared to the rhythm of hooves beneath her. Her favorite horse, Smoky, was more than just an animal—he was a partner, a source of pride, and her ticket to adventure. She showed him off at the fair, rode through open fields, and built a bond with horses that would shape her for life.

Her love for animals didn’t stop there—far from it! She had a way with just about any creature that crossed her path, but dogs were a constant in her life. She raised Afghan Hounds, Jack Russells, and several Great Danes over the years, including her beloved Brutus, whose loyalty was unmatched. Alongside her dogs, she also raised miniature horses and even had a soft spot for the unexpected, like her herd of fainting goats. Whether riding, raising, or caring for animals, she found joy in their company and a sense of home wherever they were.

It was no surprise that her passion for animals extended into her career. In 1979, she made history as Crawford County’s first female dog catcher. She held her own in a tough job before moving on to various factory positions, earning a reputation as someone you could count on—dependable, hardworking, and unshakably steady. But work was only one part of her life. Her real joy was in the weekly rituals she built with Trinity: burgers at Moonshine (where they were greeted by name), Monday nights at Monical’s, and fried okra at Gabriel’s, which she considered second to none!

She was never one to sit still for long. Staying cooped up inside wasn’t her style, so she was always on the move with Trinity—driving country roads, hunting mushrooms, heading to Mikeworth’s Trade Days, or making her annual trip to the Covered Bridge Festival to find some hidden gems. She had a knack for fixing and building, and while her handiwork might not have been pretty, it was always “built for stout.” That self-reliance wasn’t just a skill—it was a way of life. Fishing was another constant, a love first kindled with her family on the Embarras River. In her later years, Trinity made sure she could still cast a line, strapping her gear to her electric scooter and taking her out to the Forest Preserve for one last fishing trip.

Gayle Lewis left a lasting mark not in words, but in the lives she touched. Strong, sure, and true—that was Gayle. And that is a life well lived.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated with no public services. Memorial donations may be made to help her son in this difficult time. Checks can be made payable to “Trinity Lewis” and dropped off at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, which is in charge of arrangements.