Published
5 years agoon
Betty was born on January 22, 1936, to Stella Mae and Leonard Dannels in Kansas. She was the 7th of 8 children. Before the last baby was born, their father died unexpectedly, leaving eight children to be raised by Stella all alone, in the height of the Great Depression.
In her teens, she came to Sheridan just in time to meet Charles Lee, newly home from the service. They were nothing alike, and everything together. They got married and bought a shack on a corner piece of property, and added on rooms as they got the money to do it and the children to fill it, doing all the building themselves with just the help of friends and family.
And the children came to fill it—first, their own Bud, Anita, and Dale. And then all the children on the hillside, along with nieces and nephews from close and far away. Finally, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-nieces and grandnephews, and always, one small dog.
Betty worked numerous jobs over the years, but her occupation was people. You might remember her from Superior Laundry or from her years managing the local skating rink. You might remember her from her time behind the desk at the Salvation Army Thriftstore or her many years at the Cenex Gas Station where she stood for years behind the counter in her red vest and little bolo tie.
She had room in her kitchen for anyone who wanted to stop by for a cup of coffee. She had a room on her front porch for anyone who showed up for a root beer float or a chunk of watermelon
On April 15, 1998, after 44 years of life together she lost her beloved Charlie to cancer.
Betty was close to all her extended family, but her best friends were her sisters. Betty is survived by just one, Ella Ann Lee of Sheridan. Along with her sister, Betty leaves her three children: Bud, Anita (Bryan) Gilbertson, and Dale (Christina) Lee. She leaves behind her three beloved grandchildren, Jarod (Darci) Lee, Amanda (Corey) Buchan, and Emily Gilbertson (Skyler Brown). She leaves behind her precious great-grandchildren and so many nieces and nephews and all of their children—and as always, one small dog.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date when we can safely gather. Champion Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.
Wes Worden
May 8, 2020 at 7:45 pm
My 1st 7 years of my life included Betty and the Lee family and it was a joy. She was an amazing mother with her family and her neighborhood. Later in life, i always enjoyed bumping into her here and there that brought back some wonderful youthful memories. Blessings Lee family and God Bless You Betty.