Arlene May Lee was born on March 4, 1944. She had older sisters, Georgie and Phyllis, but it was mostly her and her brother Jay, whom she adored, growing up. She lost her mother when she was 17 and her father not long after that.
She and her brother helped their parents at the hotel they owned and later at the tavern. Both of these were in Eugene. She was a hard worker and worked all her life. Often two jobs at a time.
She was saved on December 1, 1976, when she called the number on a billboard that announced, “I found it!” and Jessica came to her house and led her to the Lord. Less than a year later, the Lord delivered her from smoking 2 packs a day in a miraculous demonstration that left her laughing for an hour. She loved to tell those stories.
She met Rod Lee at the Nazarene church they both attended. She was not sure about him, but he wooed her until he won her, and they were married on September 11, 1993. She and Rod attended Calvary Open Bible and had many close friends there. They were also part of Kingdom Builders and volunteered at the mission. Some of her favorite things were Rod, her family, playing cards with her friends, cooking and hosting, the church campout every year, traveling, and coffee until she lost the ability to taste it.
No more than you could speak about Rod without speaking about Arlene, you can’t speak about Arlene without speaking about Rod. They were a couple and loved each other deeply. They were Christians and believed in God. They believed in the Gospel and the mission Christ gave to tell the nations. They read the Bible together every day, and they lived it.
Rod preceded her in death on May 30, 2023, and from then until June 9, 2026, she wanted nothing more than to be reunited with him and see the face of Jesus.
She is loved by her bonus daughters: Sherrie (Husband David), Kim (Husband Todd), and Angela; Grandchildren: Stephanie, Shawnee, Stacey, Christian, Gabby, Brendan, Bethany, and Lexie; Great Grandchildren: Luke, Hannah, Rhyker, Heath, Keira, and Artemis; Sisters in law: Betty, Stana, Cathy, Dawn and Michelle; Nieces and Nephews: Walter, Mike, Tanner, Leslie, Libby, Donna, Donnie, Clinton, and Danny. Some of these were waiting to greet her when she got to heaven. She also had many “sisters” and “brothers” and friends, too.
To know Arlene was to be loved by Arlene, and she did that with her whole heart. It was an honor to have known her.
Service for Arlene will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 am at Calvary Open Bible, 1116 Centennial, Springfield, OR.
