Lewis honored as 2017 WOW

Myra Lewis from Clark Fork has made an inspirational impact on her community.

All letters of recommendation contained words like “an inspiration to me; a true role model; her kindness and willingness to help others is something that should be taught in schools; inspired by her love of family, church, community and all young people.”

Lewis moved to Clark Fork in 1978 with her husband to build the Diamond T Guest Ranch. Teaching business and physical education full time, coaching, raising three daughters, cleaning cabins, doing laundry, and directing horse rides were all in a days work for her.

Her teacher friend, Marianne Love, wrote, “It took no time for everyone on staff to develop a great respect for her as she loved her students and provided a positive force in our schools.”

Her neighbor Liz Vogel said, “Myra had the foresight to purchase a computer in 1982 so that she could teach herself at home and then pass that knowledge onto her students.”

She particularly loved teaching girls volleyball not only in Sandpoint but also volunteering in Clark Fork.

“Myra has a love of horses and has been involved with 4–H throughout her life,” wrote friend Ruth Gaw. “Myra has given clinics for children and adults in both Bonner and Kootenai Counties as well in the state of Montana. She has been a member of the Sanders County Rocky Ridge Saddle Club for twenty years and has served in every office.”

Dana, another daughter, wrote, “She is always quick to volunteer. She currently organizes, maintains and diligently works at the Thrift Store at the Methodist Church. She has kept the scholarship they offer to high school seniors alive with her efforts.”

And, from another daughter, Robyn, “She is such a giving person. Giving of her time, giving of her talents, giving of whatever she might have that others may benefit from.”

Perhaps Love said it best when she wrote, “In these days when the news cycle constantly reminds us of all that’s negative about this country, my faith in our society remains reinforced by people like Myra Lewis. Such individuals seldom make headlines, but they consistently remind us that a well-oiled force is always quietly at work behind the scenes, making a positive difference in the lives of their families, their friends, perfect strangers and their communities.”

To be nominated for a Woman of Wisdom candidates must be 65 years of age or older. She demonstrates vision, collaboration, leadership, grace, courage, integrity and a love of learning. She shows a commitment to the Bonner Country community and has had a positive impact on it. She is an inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women.

The 2017 Women of Wisdom will be honored at a gala luncheon hosted by the Women Honoring Women Committee of Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at Tango Café in the Columbia Bank building. Contact Diane Stockton for reservations at 208-290-6362 or at stockton_diane@yahoo.com.

The 2017 Women Honoring Women committee members are: Kari Saccomanno, chair; Diane Arrants; Kathy Chambers; Kathy Conger; Barbara Eacret; Deanna Harris; Alana Hatcher; Bette Heffner; Julie Jurenka; Pat Lewis; Sally Lowry; Maribeth Lynch; Laurie Mattila; Jeralyn Mire; Marlene Rorke; Sandy Ross; Patty Schwartz; Joyce Smith; Diane Stockton; Kendall Stratton; Sally Transue and Linda Van Dellen.