Joan Lee

Joan Lee, 94, passed on early Thursday morning to be joyously welcomed by her beloved husband, Ralph, her parents and many other loved ones. She was a truly devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was an inspiration to all with her enthusiasm for life and her love of family. Joan was born to the late Alma and Agnes Lindholm in Iona, Idaho, and was the sixth of eight children. She attended public schools and then graduated from LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joan married the late Ralph B. Lee on July 3, 1937, and they were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nov. 24, 1937. Sons Mike and Steve came into the family in November 1938 and April 1942 respectively while living in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A major move was made by the family in 1943, when Ralph accepted a position with the Albany Democrat-Herald. Shortly thereafter Ralph was drafted into the Army and he went forward to serve our country while Joan and the boys returned to Idaho Falls, Idaho, to live with family. After Ralph’s discharge, the family returned to Albany where Ralph continued his employment with the newspaper and Joan cared for her sons; then in April of 1951, Joan brought her daughter Christi into this world. Joan and Ralph spent 45 wonderful years together before Ralph passed to the other side. The joy of Joan’s life can be summed up in her love for Ralph and her family, which now includes three children, 13 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Joan was a stay-at-home mom for several years but later worked as a secretary, spent several years working retail and then accepted the opportunity to teach craft classes at Linn-Benton Community College, while at the same time operated her own craft shop. Joan was devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, where she held many positions of responsibility and she fulfilled each one with energy and excellence. She loved life and was always an example of strength and determination. She is greatly missed. A viewing and funeral will be Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints, 1615 28th Ave. S.E., Albany. The viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Willamette Memorial Park, 2640 Old Salem Rd. N.E., Albany. In lieu of flowers, please make any donation to the American Heart Association or the LDS Missionary Fund in Joan’s name.

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Joan Lee

March 30, 1917 - September 8, 2011