Loretta Faye Lee

Loretta Faye Lee (86) passed away on February 24, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, daughter, and best friend, Loretta lived a life full of faith and love for her family, friends, and community.

She was born on February 13, 1940 in Marysville, Iowa. One of seven children, she loved big holiday gatherings, family reunions, and researching their family tree.

Her mother-in-law introduced her to her husband, Lester Lee, who was in the U.S. Air Force. Their long distance relationship grew and they were married on April 17, 1961 in Roswell, New Mexico. Faith and family were foremost in their marriage as they welcomed a son, Lester Lee III, and a daughter, Angela (Terry) Gallagher.

Loretta loved being a home room mother, talking on the phone with family and friends, finding a new cookbook, a strong cup of coffee, spearmint gum, volunteering at her church, trying a new recipe, watching Another World, Saturdays going to garage sales with her sisters, a big scoop of chocolate ice cream, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters Roberta, Norma and Shirley and brothers Gordon and Floyd. She is survived by her little sister Cathy (Mike) DesPlanque, her son and daughter, and her grandchildren — Ian, Mariah and Katelyn.

She was the OG “mama bear”, dressed in her signature color — pink — and full of spunkiness to take on each day. We will miss her laughter, comforting hug, phone call with “Hello, it’s your mom”, impossible pumpkin pie, and encouragement that nothing was impossible for us to achieve. We love you and miss you, Mom.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, in Des Moines Iowa on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A private burial is planned at Highland Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association - Iowa Chapter and Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Loretta.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate care team at Senior Suites and Suncrest Hospice for their exceptional care, comfort, and kindness shown to Loretta and her family.

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