We love you Lee!!  What beautiful memories we have of you!!

I met Lee around 2018. She moved to Ecuador to start a new chapter in her life with Norm, her new husband. We became friends and I helped her adjust to life outside of the U.S. Lee was committed to helping people through various new age practices including essential oils, frequency bowls, rife type machines, etc. My wife (Patricia) and I started talking to her about the spiritual side of life. After repeated discussions we saw the Holy Spirit enter her life. Lee turned her life over to Jesus Christ and accepted that free gift of Grace from our Lord and Savior. She slowly sold all her equipment and immersed herself in the Word. There is nothing more beautiful in this world then seeing a person turn their life over to Christ. Lee has a big heart. She was always trying to help the poor. We had an inside joke and would laugh about it all the time….

At the wedding supper of the Lamb. Jesus, the disciples, and other notable figures would be at the head table. Right next to them would be all the men, women and children that were brutally tortured and sacrificed their lives for Christ. Then all the wonderful Christians that helped spread the Holy Word. Then someone would ask, “…..where will Lee and Pete be seated?” We would tell them, “…well, if you go all the way back to the last row in the Hall. Go through the doors, get outside, about a quarter mile down the road are some port-a-potties. Lee and I (with brushes in hand) will be cleaning the port-a-potties and have this huge smile on our faces…..WE MADE IT!!!!!” We love Lee and can’t wait to be with her in Heaven.

Matthew 11:28-30

Many of us have similar memories of our dear sister Lee. I have a memory unlike most that have been shared. It stands out not only because it’s different, but because it was a genuine moment of love and encouragement. A couple of years ago while Lee was living in Pinetop and before she was ill, we would talk on the phone to encourage each other through our daily struggles. I was struggling deeply because I had to re-home a beloved pet. While I was discouraged at this loss, I had guilt over mourning the letting go of a four-legged friend. “There are so many more important and tragic things to mourn over in this world,” I said to Lee. “Yes, but these pets are gifts from God and add meaning to our lives,” she replied. And that began an hour and half unique phone call about pets and lessons we had learned through them. She ended the conversation by telling me, “Feel free to mourn—continue to be yourself in life and loss; don’t let anyone change you.” It was a meaningful conversation and not one I will soon forget. 

Proverbs 16:24….”Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.” 

I was reading a daily devotional entitled “The Far-Reaching Rivers of Life” based on John 7:38 “He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” and although it was filled with wisdom from Scripture, one phrase stood out to me: ‘God rarely allows a person to see how great a blessing he is to others”. Immediately Lee came to mind. I met Lee when she joined our Growth Group at Redeemer Bible Church in 2023. We had lunch several times until she moved to Pinetop, and even though I didn’t see her again until she had to relocate to Gilbert, we remained in touch. Throughout her battle her faith shined through.  Her faith was evident to me each time I visited her which was often in the last months, in her gratitude for the numerous delicious meals delivered by the Meal Train and others, for the gratitude she had for those who ferried her back and forth from seemingly unending and often exhausting medical appointments and treatments, in her delight at being visited by  family, beloved old friends and new, in her obvious love for the Lord, her family,  her church family and in her peace and comfort of knowing that God was with her in her battle. Gratefully there are a few memories of simple fun outings to used book stores, used clothing stores and Dutch Bros Coffee in those last days as well. I wish I had known more about her earlier life, or known her for a longer time, but I learned a lot from Lee in the relatively short time that was gifted us to be friends and am grateful that she is now safely home with her Lord and Savior. 

I only met Lee once  but she left such an impression—such a lovely lady with a beautiful testimony. Now she is with her Lord and Savior—thank You, Jesus 🙏. Sending love and prayers to all of her family and friends during this time. I’m so sorry for your loss. Heaven has truly gained a beautiful soul. 🌹❤️

📖 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

My husband and I met Lee at Hondah RV Park and we instantly connected. She was so vibrant and friendly and had such a great personality so that everyone was drawn to her. But I guess what connected us more than anything was her love for the Lord and her beautiful Christian testimony  which I and others thought so amazing that we shared it with our friends. I am thankful for her friend Pete who shared the gospel with her and she came to know her Saviour and is in heaven today. So if you see this Pete, thank you for being bold enough to share your faith with Lee who is in the arms of her Saviour because of your witness. 

Prayers for the family, may God watch over all of you through this time of healing 🙏🏼 ❤️ 

Lee was a beautiful and sweet spirit....inside and out.  She loved The Lord and loved to pray and talk about Him.  Saying I will miss her isn’t enough, but knowing where she is …..that’s everything.   You finished strong and ran the race well my friend.