Dennis and Mary Lewis were described as a private, quiet and
polite couple by neighbors and their pastor.
The couple lived on the family farm located a couple of miles
northwest of Salem, where they raised cattle.
Dennis was a longtime timber logger and farmer and Mary was a
stay-at-home mom. Both were caregivers for Dennis' disabled
daughter, Jennifer.
Round Pond Church Pastor Lindell Decker said they were caring
individuals.
"They were kind folks. They had been coming to church for about
two years, and they came as often as possible. They were active and
always willing to serve and to help," Decker said.
Neighbors Steve and Claudia Sullivan's property joins the Lewis
farm. Claudia said they were good neighbors.
"I was shocked to hear about it," Claudia said. "They were quiet
neighbors, pretty private and polite to us."
Close friends of the Lewises, Jim and Sue Medearis, said they've
known Dennis and Mary for about eight years and had become best
friends.
"They were the nicest people I've ever known," Sue said. "Dennis
and Jim were like brothers."
Sue said her husband, Jim, and Dennis cut firewood and worked
together all the time.
"We were all best friends. They were always there to help anyone
who needed it. Dennis was born on his family homeplace and now he's
died there, and we've lost our best friends."
