Helen Ruth Lee, “Ma” went home to be with the Lord in the quiet morning moments of May 30, 2025. God’s blessing on her life included having her husband, all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless friends gather around her in her last hours. Her home was filled with her favorite sounds – laughter, music, children, family – love.
Helen Ruth was born to Cecil and Bonnie Spicer on Nov. 4, 1940, the first of 4 children. God granted her 84 years, 5 months, 30 days of life before graciously calling her home, where she lives in His presence for eternity. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Bonnie Spicer, her brother, Ralph Spicer, her father-in-law Ivan “Dude” Lee, and mother-in-law Bessie Lee.
She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Ivan Lee, her children David Lee and wife Lee Ann, Danny Lee and wife Diane, Kimberly Hoesman and husband Shawn, her siblings Billy Spicer and wife Robbie, Joy Simpson, her grandchildren Johnathon Lee and wife Jill, Brendon Lee and wife Kayla, Kailyn Bird and husband John, Aaron Lee and wife Kate, Haylee Hoesman, Macie Hoesman, Kevin Reyes, Kyle Reyes, Adam Andrus and Aaron Andrus, and great-grandchildren Raegan, Wyatt, Savannah, Landon, Jackson, Paul, Ezra, Josiah, Mara, Walker, Ella, Waylon and Kaitlyn….. and countless others who called her “Ma’ and friend.
What a gift. She spent the majority of her life building the legacy of her family by working hard, cooking countless meals, opening her home, traveling, camping, holding babies, making iced tea, listening, gently (and not so gently) reminding and correcting….. Serving others. She spent years serving in the church nursery and counted it a joy to have a child placed in her arms. She spent her “golden years” caring for her parents and in-laws, demonstrating for all of us what it means to sacrificially love others, providing them with dignity and the best care.
Helen trusted in Jesus Christ for her salvation, and He alone was and is her hope in life and death. She was baptized with her husband at the age of 64. Together, they faithfully served and gathered with their church family for worship until they were physically unable to do so. She loved singing hymns and prayed for all of you to also find your peace, joy and hope in Christ.