Frances LaNelle Lee

Frances Lanelle Lee, wife of LaNeil Lee and beloved mother to Michael, Matthew, and Mitchell, passed away peacefully on 4/30/2025 at 87 years old. Her loving family surrounded her at the time of her passing. LaNelle was born in Corbet, Texas, on July 17th, 1937, at her grandparents' farmhouse. The farmhouse was a one-bedroom house with no electricity or running water. As a child, LaNelle lived in Corsicana and Denver City, Texas, Seminole, Oklahoma, Russell, and Bunker Hill, Kansas. The oil business required the family to be mobile. LaNelle moved to Vanport, Oregon, to be close to family. Her parents found work at Alcoa. In 1948, the family survived the Vanport flood but lost all of their belongings in the now-famous event. LaNelle transitioned to Fruit Valley in Vancouver, Washington. She was excited about family, friends, and a great school. She also met her future husband, LaNeil, who lived down the street. She thought it was cool that they both had similar names. LaNelle attended Fruit Valley grade school, Shumway Jr. High School, and Vancouver High School, where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1955. LaNelle was married in October 1958 to LaNeil Lee at the First Baptist Church in Vancouver. She was married for 67 years. She had three children. Her family was her life. LaNelle lived in Ridgefield, Washington, for over 20 years on a small farm. Ridgefield was a good place for the family to grow up. She loved attending sporting events, watching both her children and grandchildren. Also, during her time, she was a coach in one of the first girls' softball leagues in the area. Her first job was at Woolworths, where she made fifty cents per hour. She later made significant strides in her professional career at Oregon Steel Mills, starting as a payroll specialist in 1975. She became Vice President of Administration and Corporate Secretary at Oregon Steel, which included Colorado Foundry and Iron, Camrose Steel in Canada, Napa Pipe, and Intercity Metals. She retired in the year 2000. She was one of the first women to become a corporate officer in the steel industry. Among her many hobbies, gardening held a special place in LaNelle's heart, particularly tending to her beloved rose garden. LaNelle was preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Pauline Stewart, and her brother Paul Stewart. In addition to her husband and sons, LaNelle is survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer, Matthew Jr, Mark, Michaela, Michael Jr, Violet, and her greatgrandchild Chael. As well as her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. LaNelle was a member of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Her faith was a guide for various phases of her life. Her legacy is carried forward through the love and memories she shared with family and friends. Her life is a testament to her strength, compassion, and dedication. Services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Friday, 5/16/2025. The address is 1101 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684. The service time is 3:00 pm. Flowers can be ordered at Garside Florist, 360-694- 3331. Pink roses are her favorite.

Frances LaNelle Lee

July 17, 1937 - April 30, 2025