Pat Cee Leis

With deep sorrow and hearts full of love, we share that Pat Cee Leis passed away unexpectedly at her home in Oregon City, Oregon, on May 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Pat was born on August 13, 1941, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the cherished eldest child of Celon J. Carlson and Eunice C. Carlson (Shaw). She was an older sister to three brothers—Mike, Dan, and Roy Carlson.

In her childhood, Pat’s journey took her from Wisconsin to Oregon, where her family relocated for her father’s work. She was a good student and graduated from Clackamas High and, shortly afterward, married Jimmie Turner. Their path together took them to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where they embraced the adventure of military life in the Army before returning to Oregon to plant roots. In 1969, they built a home in Damascus and lovingly raised their sons, John and Jason, and their daughter, Brenda Holmes, who preceded her in death in 2013 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Pat was a woman of steadfast faith and strength. Life’s challenges never dimmed her joyful spirit or her trust in God’s plan. After her marriage ended, she continued to walk forward in grace, believing that better days were ahead. In time, God brought Dennis “Denny” Leis into her life through a mutual connection at Sears. Their bond was instant and enduring—a true match made in heaven. Pat and Denny were married in 1990 and shared 35 beautiful years filled with love, partnership, and shared purpose. They made their home in Oregon City, where their hearts remained firmly rooted in each other and in their faith.

A dedicated employee, Pat retired from Fred Meyer after more than 30 years, where she earned admiration of coworkers and formed some lifelong friendships. Beyond her career, Pat lived life with vibrancy and joy. She found happiness in gardening, sewing, and traveling—and treasured every moment spent with family and friends. Together, she and Denny traveled extensively, raised horses and bird dogs, and enjoyed field trialing with the Northwest Pointing Dog Association. They often included their grandchildren in all their trips with the dogs.

Faith in Jesus was the foundation of Pat’s life. She drew strength and direction from her Bible and was deeply committed to her church community, where she and Denny served faithfully for 38 years. Her love of God shaped every aspect of her life, and her faith shone brightly to all who knew her.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dennis Leis; her sons, John Turner (Sue) and Jason Turner (Rebecca); five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her brothers, Mike, Dan, and Roy Carlson; and her daughter Brenda’s husband, Don Holmes.

Pat will be remembered for her unwavering faith, boundless positivity, and the warm smile she brought to every room she entered. She lived fully, loved deeply, and served faithfully. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her, and the light of her life will continue to shine through the family and friends she held so dear.