Betty Jean Lee, age 93 of Falls City, passed in peace April 19, 2019, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln.
She was born January 4, 1926, in Union to Winnie and Frances (Hill) Crawford. Betty was the third of four children.
While in high school, she was the head drum majorette for the Union Marching Band.
During World War II she served as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the bomber plant in Bellevue. Following World War II she met her husband, Chester Lee Sr. He was a railroader whose tracks led them to Falls City where they planted their roots and started their family. They had six beautiful children, three boys, and three girls.
Throughout their lives, she was a Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader and taught many children at Sunday School. Betty was an accomplished seamstress and made all her children’s clothes, countless wedding dresses, and formal wear. At the age of 40, she decided to become a long-distance telephone operator where she stayed until her retirement. Her passions included planting flowers, drinking hot tea with toast and watching birds. She often shared her love of the Bible and Jesus to everyone she encountered. Her greatest passion in life was raising children.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Paula Frederick of Falls City and Jill Lee of Lincoln; sons, Roger Lee and wife Linda of Falls City and Todd Lee and wife Heather of Des Moines, IA; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, William Crawford, Margaret Kearney, and Rosetta Thoms; daughter, Donna Marie Schawang; son, Chet Lee Jr.; grandson, Randy Schawang and great-grandson, Gage Schawang.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Marshall Funeral Chapel in Nebraska City with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service. The casket will remain closed. No other visitations were planned.
Burial followed in the East Union Cemetery near Union.
Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice.
Marshall Funeral Chapel of Nebraska City was in charge of arrangements.
