Ann Lee

Anna Ruth Lee was born March 31, 1930, in Lewistown, Montana to parents John and Norma (Hanson) Gilmore.

Ann spent her early years in Lewistown Montana. After high school she enrolled at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where she met Gene, her husband to be. They married in 1951, and by 1956 had two daughters. She was the perfect mother for girls.

Her great granddaughter Haley Chance said of her, “She was an amazing woman, someone I definitely looked up to”.

In 1958, the family moved to Tripoli, Libya for Gene’s job with Mobil Oil. During the five years there, they traveled all over Europe, and in 1963 the family moved back to the states, settling in Dallas, Texas.

While there, she acquired many interests. She sewed clothes for the girls, directed the children’s choir at church, sang in the adult choir, joined a writing group and the Mobil Wives Club. She had a large group of friends from both church and Mobil Oil.

In 1971, the family (minus Jane who was starting college in Texas) moved to Middletown, New Jersey. While there she enjoyed many trips to NYC to meet Gene after work. They would often have dinner, then see a Broadway show. She loved the beautiful scenery and culture in the area.

In 1976, the two (by now Nancy had started college in New Jersey) moved back to Dallas. Ann picked up where she left off with her friends and interests. She also went back to college and earned her degree in music.

When Gene retired in 1986, they began their love of travel. They took many cruises all over the world. Their annual New Year’s Eve parties continued until they were in their 80’s.

In 2016, they made the decision to move into The Tradition Assisted Living. Gene passed away in 2019, and Ann continued there until her passing. She had made quite an impression on the staff there. She was loved by her caregivers and is already missed by many.

Ann is survived by her daughters Jane Chance and her husband Tim and Nancy Lee Bennett and her husband Butch; grandchildren Chris Chance and his wife Natalie and Billy Chance and his wife Mandi; great grandchildren Haley, London and Wyatt Chance.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband Eugene K Lee; granddaughter Jessica Chance and brother John Gilmore.

There will be a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Allen Family Funeral Options with Pastor Robert Matthews officiating.

If desired, contributions may be made in Ann’s name to American Parkinson’s Association at: https://www.apdaparkinson.org or Disabled American Veterans at: https://help.dav.org