Lavada (McKee) Lewis, age 93, of Iberia, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2017, at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Tuscumbia. She was born in Iberia on August 9, 1923, daughter of the late Hirsty and Eunice (Morrow) McKee. On October 27, 1951, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, Lavada married Drexel Lewis, who preceded her in death on October 16, 2003.

Lavada spent her childhood in Iberia attending the elementary and Academy school. She then moved to St. Louis and attended Washington University. She spent her teaching career in St. Louis County taking early retirement in 1979.

After retirement Lavada and Drexel returned to Iberia. They were interested in animal welfare and maintained membership in the Humane Society. They saw a need for care in Iberia and unofficially became the animal shelter bearing all cost for food and medical care. Each animal was taken care of through their lifetime. This continued until personal health made it impossible to continue.

Lavada was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star since 1944, the Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and she donated the site for the Iberia Ambulance base.

Lavada is best characterized by her selfless generosity and unending compassion for God's creatures.

She is survived by special friends, Kathy Williams and Wanda Lilly both of Iberia, two nieces, one nephew, and numerous cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, in Union Cemetery near Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Local Animal Rescue Care of Sharron Fields.