Genevieve Lee Obituary

Funeral services for Genevieve Marcella Ruggles Lee will be held on July 16, 2021, at St. John's Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery.  Genevieve died July 12, 2021 at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home at the age of 90 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on January 30, 1931, the fourth child of Isaac and Nova Crouse Ruggles. She attended Dooley grade school, graduating 8th grade in 1946 and attended Comertown High School. She was married to Henry Lee on August 19, 1947 at the Westby Parsonage by Rev. H. E. Hagen. Genevieve and Henry had 4 children—William (Bill) in 1947, Helmer in 1948, Gregory in 1956 and Kimberly in 1963.

Genevieve loved to cook for family and friends. If you showed up at the Lee farm around dinner or supper time, you never had to worry if there would be enough food for everyone because when mom cooked, she cooked for an army. Mom prepared many meals and took them to the fields where the guys were working. Genevieve loved to bake! She didn't just bake a dozen or two; she would make many dozens. Genevieve said if she was going to bake; she was going to bake so she didn't have to do it again for another week.  When she did bake and get company, if you weren't from around here or didn’t live around here anymore, you could bet your bottom dollar you would be going home with some cookies, doughnuts, or whatever she had on hand to send with you. Mom loved to can produce from Gregory's garden.  She loved to quilt and made many quilts for her children and grandchildren including many baby blankets. Genevieve also helped Marian Simonson with the Angel Tree project.  Genevieve and Henry enjoyed auction sales.  She collected porcelain dolls, spoons, and bells.   

Genevieve was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and St. John's Lutheran Ladies Aide. She would help with quilting for the Lutheran World Relief, baby kits and school kits. Genevieve and Dorothy Fransen served many dinners at the church.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband; son William and his wife; parents Isaac and Nova Ruggles; father-in-law and mother-in-law Jacob and Hilda Lee; three sisters and their husbands; one brother and his wife; two brothers-in-law, and four nephews.

Genevieve is survived by three children—Helmer (Sheila), Plentywood; Gregory, Westby; and Kimberly Hendrickson (Danny), Westby. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.