Roosevelt Rootez-Keyron Lewis III

HIs Story...

Born in Elkhart on November 8, 2002, to Knesha Carruthers and Roosevelt Lewis Jr., Roosevelt was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. From a young age, he radiated warmth, charisma, and a deep love for his family and community.

Roosevelt was a proud graduate of City High in Iowa City, Iowa, Class of 2021. In his school years, he was a talented athlete—playing basketball, baseball, football, and running track. He was also an active member of Lifeline and the Boys & Girls Club. He loved playing basketball at the Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center and spent countless hours gaming on his PlayStation—especially Fortnite and NBA 2K. But above all, Roosevelt loved being a father. His daughters, Alaya and Ka’Laya, were his pride and joy. Whether he was braiding their hair or showering his loved ones with cheek pinches, hugs, and kisses, Rosie’s love was always felt deeply. He had a big, infectious smile that could light up a room. He was smart, ambitious, and always striving to be better—not just for himself, but for those he loved. He had a passion for music, rapping and creating his own songs, loved to draw, and even wowed others with backflips. A nurturer by nature, Roosevelt was deeply loving, kind, and courageous—a true family man.

Roosevelt leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and light. He is survived by his loving parents: Knesha Carruthers and Roosevelt Lewis Jr.; his two beautiful daughters: Alaya Lewis and Ka'Laya Lewis; and his fiancée: Kiaa Winters of Osceola; He is also survived by his sisters: Minesha Carruthers (Florida) and Kamaria Jackson (Elkhart); nephew: Jai’Aire Carruthers; grandparents: Forestean Harris (Goshen) and Roosevelt “Big Roosevelt” Lewis Sr. (Elkhart); and godmother: Dorothy Crocker (Elkhart); He is lovingly remembered by his aunts: Peggy (Lee) Carruthers, Stella (Randy) Sims, and Shawnta Harris; his uncles: Leslie (Rose) Carruthers, Arthur Carruthers, Mack Sims, Antwan Carruthers, Kenyon Carruthers, Richard Lewis, and Sidney Jackson III; and a host of cousins, extended family, and close friends who were touched by his light.

Roosevelt “Rosie” Keyron Lewis III, 22, of Osceola, Indiana, passed away on March 24, 2025, at Elkhart General Hospital. He is preceded in death by his great-grandparents: Arthur and Polly Carruthers, Nelson and Susie Harris, and Richard and Mary Lewis; great-aunt and uncle: Frankie and Charles Lemons; grandmother: Brenda Carruthers; uncle: Len Carruthers; sister: Ja'Miyah Gillam; and stepfather: Jimmy Gillam.

Rosie will sorely missed by all knew and loved him. 

Celebration of life will be held 12 noon, on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Agape Missionary Baptist Church Elkhart, Indiana 46516 with Dr. Dannell Brown to be Eulogist. Viewing will be 11am until time of service at the Church. Interment will be private.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roosevelt Rootez-Keyron Lewis III, please visit our floral store.