Rosalie Scheibe Lewis

KINGSPORT - Rosalie (Rosie) Robertson Scheibe Lewis, 92, of Kingsport TN died Wednesday, June 14, 2017 after a brief bout with cancer. Born Rosalie June Robertson in Philippi, West Virginia on December 3, 1924 to Hubert and Margie Baker Robertson. Rosie was raised by her foster parents Sadie and Herbert Lake. They encouraged her artistic ability and enabled her to enjoy being active outdoors with her love of horseback riding. Upon graduation from high school, Rosie pursued various art degrees and specialties from several colleges and universities including a B.S. from Thiel College, M.F.A. from Maryland Institute of Art, Martinet School of Art in Baltimore, Columbia University, Fairmont State College where she received her Art Education degree and Alderson-Broaddus College where she met her first husband, Dr. Fred Scheibe, who was also an artist and professor. She also studied abroad first in Mexico studying Aztec Archaeology and then later in her career completing doctoral work at the Muthesius Kunst Schule in Kiel, Germany. Rosie was a life-long learner even until her death, continuing to master new art techniques.
Rosie had a long and illustrious art career mastering painting and drawing techniques, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography with oils being her preferred outlet. Early on she opened her own art studio in Baltimore but left it to continue her studies in art history and other painting techniques. In the late 50's and early 60's, she was an assistant in the art department at Thiel College and later was an Assistant Professor and Chairman of Fine Arts at Emory and Henry College in Virginia. While studying in Germany, she accepted an art teaching position with the Department of Defense schools in Karlsruhe, Germany. There she fell in love with teaching and the students, continuing to teach for over 25 years. Never having children of her own, the students became her children; so much so that in her last few years, she reestablished contact with many of them through Facebook. Besides numerous letters and phone calls, she even had visits from as far away as California!
Rosie loved sports-both as a spectator and participant. Her athletic and teaching ability led her to coach women's golf, basketball and tennis. When she could no longer be active, she watched sporting events on television.
In 1982 while visiting family in Philippi, West Virginia, she was introduced to her second husband, Charles Lewis. They were married in November of that year. She and Charles returned to Germany and resumed her teaching career until she retired in 1986. The couple resettled in Philippi where Rosie pursued her artistic endeavors in her beloved cabin/studio by the river. When Charles became ill, Rosie nursed him until his death in 2012.
In the fall of 2012 she resettled in Kingsport, Tennessee at Brookdale Senior Living where she continued to paint, teach art, enter art shows, make new friends, and spend time with her Tennessee family. Her Lutheran faith has always been important to her and Holy Trinity Lutheran of Kingsport became her new community of faith where she was active in attendance, Bible studies, and special services.
Rosie had a fabulous sense of humor along with a quick wit and sharp mind. Visiting with her in her assisted living home was always interesting. You would leave with a smile on your face and at least one new nugget of information. Discussion could center around religion, politics, art, history, travel, or cars. She loved automobiles having owned a 1958 300 SL sports coupe Mercedes-Benz while living in Germany. She leaves a huge hole for friends, family, and the healthcare community that knew her.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Charles David Lewis, and her siblings Twila Cutler, Leonard Robertson, Robert Robertson, and Eva Bryan. She is survived by her niece Kay and Gary Novotney of Surprise, Arizona and nephew Rick Robertson of Baltimore, Maryland. She also has three step children Henry and Lana Lewis of Kingsport, TN, Sheila and David Lewis of Jane Lew, WV, and Janet and David Chapman of Philippi, WV. Grandchildren include Bryan Lewis and Matt Van Cleave of Chicago, IL, Starla and Aaron Schnurbusch of Asheville, NC, Keith and Angie Lewis of Kingsport, TN, Nathan and Ashley Chapman of Lexington, KY, Matthew Chapman of Philippi, WV, Davey and Tina Lewis and Cory and Deena Lewis of Jane Lew, WV.
She also has 10 great grandchildren: Calliope and Quinn Scnhurbusch, Isla and Henry Lewis, Liam and Kate Chapman, Meghan and Lucas Lewis, and Breonna and Savannah Lewis.
Rosie had an art poster hanging in her room that depicted a picture of man in a trench coat that says "Expose Yourself to Art". The humor in this poster summed up Rosie's zest for life. She will be missed.
Her funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Kingsport, TN at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16th with the family will receiving visitors afterward. Pastor Steve Counts will officiate the service.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, at 1:00 p.m. at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Mt. Clare, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to your favorite charity.
The arrangements have been entrusted to Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport, TN and Wright Funeral Home of Philippi, WV.