Lola Ruth Lee, age 94, of Saint Helens, Oregon passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Lola was born May 25, 1924 in Terry, Montana to Frank and Lola Stifel. She was the youngest of four children earning her the nickname, Dolly.
Dolly was involved with The Salvation Army throughout her entire life. Her faith carried her through the hard times and it was important for her to share the love of God with others.
Dolly graduated from high school in Billings, Montana in 1942 and went on to complete studies in clerical work.
When Dolly was twenty she married and they moved west to Portland, Oregon where she found work in the shipyards.
Dolly was blessed with two daughters, Carol and Donna and a son, Richard. She embraced motherhood and did everything to make sure her children were well cared for.
Dolly settled into city life and eventually found work at Tektronix, where she worked as an assembler for almost 30 years. Shortly after beginning work at Tektronix, she met George Lee. The two were married on October 27, 1957 in Portland, adding three stepsons, Jack, Tom and Georgie to her family.
When Dolly and George retired they decided to spend their winters in Arizona, becoming snowbirds. Dolly loved to travel; in fact, she has been to every continent, even making a stop in Antarctica on a cruise ship. Dolly loved a good adventure and continued to travel after the death of her husband; traveling with friends and occasionally, her daughter, Carol.
When Dolly wasn’t exploring the world she kept busy with multiple craft projects. During her work years, she crocheted, creating items for her home and gifts. She took great pride in winning the Best In Show for her zipper art on a ceramic vase she created as one of dozens of ceramic items created in Arizona.
Dolly strongly valued self-care. She walked twelve miles a day and participated in aqua aerobics while in Arizona. When she returned to Portland, she exercised an hour a day, using a stationary bicycle, a rowing machine and a tread mill, all helping to contribute to her long healthy life.
Reading was another one of Dolly’s favorite pastimes. At one point she had a personal library of over one thousand books, passing the books on, once read.
Dolly would want to be remembered for her love and commitment to her family. She was a sweet and gentle woman with a good sense of humor. Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.
Dolly is survived by her daughter Carol; grandchildren Holly, Debbi, Steven, Carrie, Wendy, Stephanie, Justin, and Richard. She also leaves eighteen great grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren who will cherish her memory.
Dolly was preceded in death by her spouse, George Lee; daughter, Donna; son, Richard; her father, mother and three siblings.
A memorial service for Dolly will be held Friday, December 21, 2018 at 2:00 PM at The Salvation Army Portland Tabernacle, 1712 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97232. A potluck reception will immediately follow the service.
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Dolly’s memory be made to The Salvation Army.
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