Raymond H. Chew, 98, Straughn, passed on to his Heavenly home on Thursday night, December 9th, 2021, and undoubtedly was embraced by his wife of 69 years, Thelma. Raymond was born on October 26, 1923 on the Ray Morgan Farm in Knightstown, Indiana to the late Monroe and Pearl (Lewman) Chew of New Castle, Indiana. He moved to the New Castle area in his early childhood and graduated from New Lisbon High School with the class of 1941. Raymond married the former Thelma Miller of New Lisbon on June 23rd, 1945 in New Castle, Indiana. Following their marriage Raymond and Thelma lived in the New Lisbon area. In 1957 Raymond started the pursuit of his childhood dream to own and operate a farm of his own. It was in the late summer of 1964 where Raymond’s dreams were realized and he and his devoted wife, Thelma, moved to what is now known as the Chew Family Farm. It was there that Raymond not only planted roots and carried out his love and passion of farming, but also where he and Thelma raised their three children. He lived on the farm for the last 57 years of his life where countless family gatherings, holidays and celebrations took place. To this day the farm remains an anchor to Raymond’s family.
Survivors include his three children, Ron (Linda) Chew of Straughn, Shirley (John) Fliehler of Iowa City, Iowa and Donna (Bobby) Borror of New Castle. Seven grandchildren, Brian (Kim) Chew, Angela (Chuck) Ventresco, Brittany Chew, Kristin Fliehler, Kelley Fliehler, Jarrod (Genna) Borror, Lindsey Poindexter, Abby (Matt) Singleton. Eleven great grandchildren, Chloe, Ella and Jackson Chew, Jordan and CJ Ventresco, Quinn Borror, Cash, Emmaline and Willa Poindexter, and Everly and Lydia Singleton. He also leaves behind 28 nieces and nephews.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, parents, Monroe and Pearl Chew, and his five siblings, Ruth Reynolds, Ruby Lingenfelter, Gladys Lee, John Chew, and Paul Chew.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14th at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Lewisville Chapel. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, December 15th at 10 a.m., Rev. Roby Wood will officiate. Burial will follow at the New Lisbon Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.marshallanderleweinfuneralhome.com
“My wife and I have farmed in the middle of the good ol’ U.S.A. since 1948. Our
greatest harvest we’ve had from all of these years of country living is one
wonderful son, two special daughters, two fantastic sons and one daughter
in law and seven “grand” grandchildren.
How can you beat a harvest like that?”
-Raymond Chew