Longtime Salem Resident Doris I. Lewis Passes Away at 89

Doris Lewis dedicated nearly 50 years to Fabick Tractor Company before retiring and enjoying time with family.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:34pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a cozy, domestic scene with hints of sewing and quilting supplies, conceptually representing the quiet, creative life of Doris Lewis.The passing of Doris Lewis, a lifelong Salem resident known for her dedication to her job and her creative quilting, marks the end of an era for the close-knit community.Salem Today

Doris I. Lewis, a lifelong resident of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at the age of 89. Lewis spent 48 years working at Fabick Tractor Company and was known for her strong work ethic and reliability. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. She is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as several siblings.

Why it matters

Doris Lewis' passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Salem, Illinois. As a longtime employee and resident, she was deeply embedded in the local fabric, and her death will be felt by many who knew her through work, family, or community ties.

The details

Doris I. Lewis was born on June 27, 1936, in Salem, Illinois, to T.J. 'Boots' Wilkins and Nelda (Shaffer) Wilkins. She married Robert L. 'Bobby' Lewis in 1959, and they shared 61 years together before his passing in 2020. At Fabick Tractor Company, Lewis dedicated 48 years of service, earning a reputation for her strong work ethic and reliability. In her free time, she found joy in sewing, quilting, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. Lewis is survived by her daughter, Indea Tate, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren, as well as several siblings.

  • Doris I. Lewis passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Doris I. Lewis

A lifelong resident of Salem, Illinois, who dedicated 48 years of service to Fabick Tractor Company and was known for her strong work ethic and reliability. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Robert L. 'Bobby' Lewis

Doris Lewis' husband, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage before his passing in 2020.

Indea Tate

Doris Lewis' daughter.

T.J. 'Boots' Wilkins

Doris Lewis' father.

Nelda (Shaffer) Wilkins

Doris Lewis' mother.

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What they’re saying

“Doris was a beloved member of our community, and her passing will be deeply felt by all who knew her. She was a true pillar of our town.”

— Ivan Wilkins, Doris Lewis' brother

What’s next

The graveside service for Doris I. Lewis will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, Illinois.

The takeaway

Doris Lewis' life and legacy serve as a testament to the enduring values of hard work, community, and family that have long defined the town of Salem, Illinois. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her impact will continue to be felt by all those whose lives she touched.