Lora (Sandy) Silver Lewis

   Lora Sandy Silver Lewis went to be with Jesus on April 2, 2024, in her home, surrounded by family. Lora was born on September 7, 1955, the daughter of Alfred and Florence Mary Sandy of Hagerman. Growing up on the family farm and ranch on Billingsley Creek provided an ideal backdrop for childhood exploration. Lora was always a curious, active, and friendly young girl who kept busy finding newborn kittens near the haystack, floating in the creek with friends, and assisting her dad as he milked the cows morning and night. Her activities were varied as she fed the bum lambs in the springtime, along with her older sister, Cheryl, and her younger brother, Robert. It was always exciting to see how many lambs could be fed at once. Lora could usually handle six bottles at once while her youthful stance shook and the fuzzy little lambs eagerly drank. She raised her lamb, Tabitha, to adulthood, and when it came time to show and then sell her lamb, she threw her arms around it, refusing to let go. Of course, her father decided she could keep the lamb as a pet. Tabitha lived a long time and became a lead sheep in the family sheep business. For years to come, Tabitha would come out of the band of sheep to visit Lora.

   Lora’s love for writing blossomed as she became a young reporter for the Gooding leader, commenting on their 4-H club activities. Her first creative poem spoke of God, the creator, and she could still recite it into adulthood. Her writing skills culminated in the past two years with her series “Growing Up in the Hagerman Valley” being featured in the Magic Valley News. Following in her mother and grandmother's footsteps, she attended all 12 grades in the Hagerman School System, graduating in 1973. Lora filled her days with cheerleading, participating in FHA, the drill team, and singing in the chorus. She was cherished by teachers and classmates alike. She joined her cousin, Diane, on a “People to People” tour overseas, where they went behind the Iron Curtain to Russia shortly after graduating. The stories she would share about that experience were etched in her mind, giving a young girl first-hand experience of what freedom means.

   She then attended the University of Idaho, where she pledged the Delta Gamma Sorority. She excelled academically and was tapped for several honorary organizations. Her most fulfilling involvement was with Campus Crusade for Christ, where she led Bible studies and joined other students in sharing their faith on campus. She spent three summers at the Institute of Biblical Studies earning a certificate of completion.  Her life passion since that time has been regularly telling others about Jesus and seeing young and old alike come to faith in Christ.

   Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she began her teaching career, which spanned 35 years, first in Hansen and then most of her career in Hagerman. Whether Lora was teaching 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades, acting as a reading specialist, or leading music classes, she loved and helped the children far beyond the classroom. Random acts of kindness were the joy of her heart.

   Lora earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Idaho State University while teaching in Hagerman. She worked diligently on this accomplishment while being married to Wayne Silver and raising three young children, Lee, Chad, and Anna. Her children have always been at the center of her heart.

   With a love of music, Lora relished a chance to dream up musical themes for the grade school concerts. She pulled off beautifully creative musical performances as the children's eyes were glued to her conducting. Music was a highlight of her life. She also enjoyed theater, and in her early adulthood, she was chosen for the lead role in Dilettante’s production of Irene at the CSI Auditorium in Twin Falls.

   In recent years, she joined her granddaughter, Allie, in playing piano and violin. Her love of her granddaughter's musical talent was recently fulfilled with her granddaughter's performance in the Dilettante’s production of “School of Rock." Those who have followed Lora online have particularly enjoyed her and her granddaughter’s spontaneous dance numbers. Nothing but joy comes from watching those two “ham it up.”.

   Lora’s infectious smile and laughter would light up a room.  Her sister, Cheryl, would often say her humor could land her on Comedy Central.  Her joyful spirit and love of giving as she toured around Hagerman made everyone smile. Lora always enjoyed being a behind-the-scenes giver, quietly doing small acts of kindness. She often delivered her homemade soups to senior citizens around town or stopped by to pray for a friend. Generous with her time, she was known to spend an hour or more in the local grocery store just to connect and converse with friends, of whom she had many. Her love of family has been demonstrated by being a caregiver to her mother, Florence Mary Sandy, who is celebrating her 101st birthday on May 2nd of this year.

   Lora was married to Mark Lewis at the family cabin in Stanley, Idaho, on June 21, 2008. Since then, their morning coffee time has soothed Lora’s heart. She especially loved to walk with Mark along the sunny Florida coastline and enjoy the cool ocean breeze during their trips to visit his brother.

   Whatever Lora did she gave her all passionately for her faith, family, and community.  “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” - Colossians 3:17

   Lora’s father, William Alfred Sandy, passed away previously. She is survived by her mother, Florence Mary Sandy; her children, Anna Silver White (Travis White), Chad Silver, and Lee Silver; her granddaughters, Allie Silver and Emerie White; and her siblings, Robert Sandy, Cheryl Sandy-Miller (Steve Miller), and John Sandy (Robin Sandy).

   A graveside service will honor Lora at the Hagerman Cemetery on May 4, 2024 at 10:00 am, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Hagerman United Methodist Church, 270 Salmon St E. The family requests everyone to wear bright colors to celebrate in Lora style.

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