Leatrice "Lea" Carol Putnam Darrah

Leatrice, or Lea as she was known by friends and family, was the first-born twin along with sister Lois, born September 9, 1927, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota to parents Vernon Ray and Esther Caroline Borowski.

Lea was raised on a farm near the small town of Campbell Minnesota where her family rented farmland to live and work. She often told stories of living on the farm with no electricity or running water. Having to work on the farm with her father early before school and late into the sunset during the summer. She was always sure to point out that she and her sister were working on the farm since her family had no boys to help with the daily tasks. She also remembered helping her mother and grandmother prepare the food for meals after school and especially coming home from church on Sundays to a particularly special meal. One of her fond childhood memories was the time her father had saved enough money to take them to town to enjoy the stage show and afterwords stopping to let them buy candy at the market. She remembers enjoying her candy all the way back home.

After high school she began as a volunteer nurse’s assistant at Minneapolis hospital. It was during this time she met Robert Arnold Putnam, or Bob, as he would be known to most. Bob was enlisted in the US Air Force and was set to depart soon. Bob and Lea fell in love quickly and after a relatively short courtship were married. In August of 1948 they gave birth to their first son Roger and two years later their second son Richard in June of 1950.

Not too long after, they would move to Portland Oregon, and this would be home for the rest of their lives. In the earlier days, she spent her time raising their two sons and would continue volunteering at hospitals and working as a nurse’s assistant. She would later decide to expand on that career path and become a certified dental assistant. She achieved her certification from the University of Oregon. She would start her career in a small private dental office but soon move on to the Portland VA Medical Center where she would complete 34 years of service before retiring. Lea was also very involved with church and a devoted Christian through her life. She spent time working and volunteering at church, focusing on working with children and with the choir. She had teaching certification from the Evangelical Teaching Association as well as Multnomah School of the Bible, including musical studies. After a fulfilling career, she would retire to enjoy more time with husband Bob who’s battle with Parkinsons had just begun and would eventually take him to heaven in 1999.

A few years later the unexpected would happen and she would fall in love again and be married to Jerald (Jerry) Darrah in October of 2003. Lea and Jerry had 17 years together where they enjoyed the life of retirees in church, and spending time with family and friends.

Lea enjoyed life and particularly spending time with family, friends and caring for her kitties. Bringing the family together for special occasions and holidays always brought her joy. She was passionate about her love for Christ and spending time in the church. A few of her lifelong hobbies included playing cards, sewing and quilting. After retirement she would make her famous “quillows” and baby blankets to sell at bazaars for extra money to spend on things she enjoyed in life. She enjoyed spending time in Hawaii and particularly Honolulu and would vacation there as often as she could. Singing and music were also a lifelong passion, she spent many years in the church choir, many with husband Bob. She was proud of Bob for his time with Salem singers and would follow him on tour as often as her schedule would allow so she could enjoy the music.

Lea was a strong, selfless caring woman and was the guiding light for our family her entire life and will be missed every day. God blessed her with an energy that would always light up a room. Even as she battled daily with symptoms of dementia her passion for life, family and Christ never waned. The space she leaves behind will only be filled by the peace of knowing she is in heaven and the lifelong memories we all have to share together.

Lea is survived by her two grandsons, Duane and Keith; granddaughter-in-law, Christy; great grandchildren, Kylee and Trevor; and daughter-in-law, Brenda. Preceded in death by first husband, Bob; sons, Roger and Richard; grandson, Kevin; sister, Lois; and second husband, Jerry.

A committal service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 and 12:30 pm at Willamette National Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Wood Village Baptist Church Memorial fund.

Proverbs 3: 3-5

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.