Mary E. Lees

‘Grandma’ Mary, 102, passed away peacefully with her two ‘favorite’ grandchildren by her side on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Mary was born on December 9, 1920, in a picker’s cabin on Black Road off Kermel Grade, Omak, WA. She began her education in Omak and graduated in 1939 from Okanogan. After working as a legal secretary for over 50 years, she officially (and reluctantly) retired in 1995. In 1953, Grandma and husband, ‘Grandpa’ Ivan, founded the business now known as Lees & Duke Excavating. Having coffee or brunch with family and friends, playing pinochle, distributing ‘purple pumpkins’, and checking out the turkeys on Pogue Road or grandson Mike’s cows were highlights of her day. Mary is survived by grandchildren Sheri (John) Helmold and Mike (Julie) Duke; son-in-law Stan Duke (Loretta); great grandchildren Daryl (Catrina) Ausbun, Lee Ausbun, Amber (Clayton) Murrah, and Mason Duke; step-great grandchildren Kylie Helmold (Skye), Wendy (Cody) Soler, Lovey (Cory) Anderson, and Lacey Garrison (Mark); great-great grandchildren Brianna, Ahri, Austin, Colton, Sophie, Jaxon, Rylee, Charley-Jo, McKinley, Ryder, and Eric; sister-in law Jovanna Jacobs; nephews and nieces Robert, Ivan, Rosie, Russ, Brenda, and Ronda; and more friends than can be listed here. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Grandma’s ‘go to town’ companions, Dick and Sue Brooks, for their many years of caring service. Thank you also to River Valley Funeral of Okanogan for their help with arrangements, and to ALL who touched her heart. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ivan, of 59 years; daughter Barbara; father Gillie; mother Etta; siblings Hazel, Dorothy, Gil Jr., and Betty; several nephews and a niece; and many friends. Per Grandma’s wishes, there will be no service. Please join us instead for ‘one last Coffee Break’ at the Okanogan Eagles from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2023. The family would love to hear your stories. As Grandma Mary would say, “tah tah, toodly do, aloha”, and “here’s looking at you kid (Humphry Bogart/Casablanca 1953 {sic})”, and “I don’t buy green bananas”.

Mary E. Lees

December 9, 1920 - January 26, 2023