Selma was born December 13, 1911 in Clay County, Minnesota. She was the tenth child of Joseph and Emma Rosenquist, and for most of her life was known as "Peggy". Her older brother Archie remembered the winter night when Peggy was born. He said the tiny house was so crowded that their father made him and his brother Frithjof stay in the cellar until after the doctor had left. Some of Peggy's brothers and sisters were teenagers when Peggy was born, but she had no trouble keeping up. Whenever there were farm chores or family activities, Peggy was involved. When the others took trips to visit or work in Illinois or other places, frequently Peggy went along.

In 1930, when Peggy was 18 years old, she moved to Minerva Township, in Clearwater County. She met Francis Milton Lewis that year while she was staying at the home of her older sister, Luella. Francis was born on August 11, 1907 to parents James and Polly (Nattress) Lewis in Rolette County, North Dakota. The Lewises were immigrants from Ontario. Peggy met Francis while she was returning home from a visit with a neighbor who had just given birth.

Francis and Peggy were married on May 24, 1931. They lived in a small cabin near Clearbrook for a while until they moved to a farm in Minerva, where they raised six children: three boys and three girls. With field work, a dairy herd, and logging in the winter, there was plenty to do on the Lewis farm. But Peggy didn't leave all that to Francis and her sons. She enjoyed the outdoor life as much as keeping house and caring for children. When it was time to do some fishing or hunting, Peggy was ready for that, too. She knew how to appreciate the sounds and smells of the outdoors.

Francis died on May 12, 1965. Several years later, Peggy married William C. Lebeda, the widower of Peggy's sister, Elna. The wedding took place on March 29, 1979. He preceded her in death on March 24, 1999.

When responsibilities at home were less demanding, Peggy kept busy by working as a sales clerk and picking eggs at the Nelson Egg Farm. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church and enjoyed quilting, gardening, and playing cards. Peggy spent her later years living at Greensview Care Center in Bagley, MN. She died there at age 91 on Wednesday, January 8, 2003. She had 34 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and many great great grandchildren.

By Charlene Lewis Lundin and Joel Rosenquist