Mrs. Anna Mom, Gaga, Gog, Ann, Eucky, & Anna Ruth Ruth Merideth Lee

My mom was born Anna Ruth Merideth on July 28th 1929, she was the 2nd of 5 daughters. Dorothy Elizabeth born June 17 more commonly known as Docky was her older sister. Delores Jean, born March 10 came after Mom, although she NEVER wanted to be referred to as Delores, and Flossie Louise was the baby of the family, and where Brianna and I inherited our middle name. They also had a stillborn sister named Wanda. She said that they were a poor family, but she never knew that until she was grown, because they were so rich in love. The girls were pretty much carbon copies of one another, sharing the same face, blue eyes, and kind heart. Mom often talked about her happy childhood, the old comic books with the covers ripped off that her dad used to bring home. The dogs that her dad encouraged to follow him home, fondly remembering the smell of her mama's perfume when she'd bend over and kiss her goodbye before she went to work. She laughed about throwing a knife at Aunt Docky, and making Aunt Flossie swallow her allowance. She loved sharing the memories of her Mammy and how she loved her cooking, and the dresses she used to make for all the girls. But there was one thing there was no doubt about, Mom was a daddy's girl. Although she missed her mom terribly, I know she was estatic to run into her daddy's arms when she slipped from ours on that hollow February evening, but she's with most of her childhood family and Dad so I'm sure they are all laughing about old times now.

She met her would be husband, John Willis Lee at the Liberty Café where he worked. He immediately stated “that’s the girl I’m going to marry.” She of course, being the spitfire she was said “no way!” He was 10 years her senior, and quite determined. After 1 date she found him both boring, and annoying, and vowed to never see him again. He continued to pursue her and eventually proposed, she said no, so he went out and purchased her wedding suit, which by the way, fit perfectly. She said she married him because he wouldn't’t go away, but I suspect she grew to find him less annoying, and they wed April 8th 1947. She shared stories about when her and Dad were dating, her parents LOVED Dad. He would often come over after work and play guitar for the family, keeping them up half the night. Once they married on a Tuesday afternoon (Dad's off day) they lived with my Grandma, Eula May. Anyone who knew my Grandma knows that couldn't have been an easy situation. She wasn't very kind to my mom a lot of the time. She was a very crude and controlling woman even so, Dad was always respectful to her.

Their 1st child, William Burchette Lee, was born 10 months later on February 9th 1948. A son that carried the name of his grandfather, and his mother’s heart; in fact she called him “my whole world.” She spent 3 days a week, and bus fare taking Bill downtown to the YMCA so he could learn to swim. She was afraid of the water, and her child’s safety was paramount. Mom & Bill often reminisced about going to the Brown Theater to see “The Wizard of Oz” and smuggling in white castle hamburgers. She was both mother and friend to Bill. Mom supported Bill through his brief marriage and divorce from Pam, never forgiving her for how much she hurt her son. Bill later married Val, and Mom and Dad both loved and accepted her, and although they never received that acceptance in return, they made the best of the situation as Bill's happiness was their primary concern. On November 10, 1972 they welcome their first child, a son, William Toby Lee, one of the cutest babies ever born. He was the epitome of a Lee, red hair and all. Mom always had a soft spot for Toby, and had many arguments with his parents over his wellbeing. Five years later, on December 12, 1977 their daughter was born, Melissa Shannon Lee, a girl who carried my father's eyes. Mom was thrilled with having a grand-daughter, and loved her to the degree she was allowed to. On April 12, 1983, a second son was born to Bill and Val, Justin Taylor Lee. Unfortunately due to family circumstances beyond Mom's control, she was never allowed to get to know him. A pain she carried to her grave. In the early 90's, Bill and Val divorced. A number of years later, Bill married Pat, a woman nothing like his previous wife. Pat was a true southern belle, and Mom loved her dearly. We shared many special memories with Pat, a trip to D.C., Virgina Beach, and Opryland where Bill ripped the film out of a camera Pat was having difficulty operating. He said "what she didn't lose, she tore up." We laughed about that day for years. Not to mention the derby cruise where we were clearly the minority, Mom shouting "they don't want us here!!" I'm thankful for those memories for we lost Pat the summer of 2003 in hurricane Isabel. Pat's death devastated Mom. A few years later Bill met and married Dita. Mom was happy that Bill had found someone to share his life with fearing that he'd never find that again after Pat. Mom unfortunately never met Dita, and sadly that marriage ended in 2009.

Bill's first son, Toby married Tammy and they had a son, James Isaac Lee, on March 30, 1998. Toby and Tammy divorced, and many years later Toby married Pam. Mom never met Pam which is a shame because she would've loved her. Bill's daughter Melissa married Jamie Lennick and they had their first child, Mckenzie on June 18, 2000. They had a second child, Joshua. Mom was able to meet and spend some time with all three children when we traveled to Virginia for Pat's funeral. Sadly, she never saw them again. Melissa has since divorced Jamie and married Tommy Harrell, and since Mom's passing they gave birth to a daughter, Karsen. Justin married a young lady named Jennifer, they divorced, and he recently married Kati.

A decade after Bill's birth, on December 29, 1958, a 2nd son was born, John Anthony Lee. A baby so beautiful he was labeled her “picture book baby.” Her adoration only grew. Tony was a strong, and gifted athlete. She recognized and nurtured his natural abilities even having a tiny bowling shirt made for him. She purchased his 1st bowling ball with top value stamps after he outgrew hers, and cheered as he grew into the 1st junior bowler in the United States to bowl a perfect 300 game, that game was rewarded by Dad giving him our car. Mom was his best fan, and his best friend. Tony married Lisa Milby in November of 1978 when he was 19 years old and Lisa was 15. Seven months later on June 17, 1979, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Khristian Gayle Lee. Mom's life would never be the same. Of course she was right there when this child came into the world, and when they wheeled her out of the delivery room, Mom swears Khristian looked at her and she felt a cord that tied them together. That cord was never broken. Mom truly loved Khristian as her own child, and protected her from anything and anyone who ever tried to hurt her. She was the light of our lives, and we spoiled her rotten! Less than three years later a second daughter was born. Lauren Nicole Lee arrived on May 21, 1982. For the first month of Nicole's life Mom called her KariAnn, the name Tony and Lisa had originally chosen. Once we got to know this baby, she was clearly Nicole, and Mom always said she had the most beautiful name of all the girls. Mom loved to brush Nicole's hair because she thought it sparkled like real gold. On October 28, 1994 the Lee family was graced with a third daughter, Erin Michelle Lee, a breathtakingly beautiful baby. Mom often spoke of an occasion when she and I were watching the girls and when Lisa arrived home Erin's eyes locked on her and watched her pass, and even though she was only a month old, you could see such love in her eyes. Mom said at that moment that Erin was an angel. Tragically that angel returned to heaven on January 15, 1985 at the age of 2 months, eighteen days. Eleven months later another child was born, a child that was to be a son. NOT! Yes, a fourth daughter, Erica Noel Lee was born on December 18, 1985. Her name entwined with the most joyous of holidays which her birth preceded by one week. I was in the delivery room when she entered this world, and she captured my heart with her first breath. Erica was like sunshine, Mom said she made you happy just by being around her. Almost 2 years later to the day, their fifth daughter was born, KatiAnn Louise Lee arrived on December 4, 1997. A blue eyed beauty named for both Mom and I. Khristian, Nicole, Erica, and occasionally Kati lived with Mom and I, Khristian until she graduated high school, giving us the incredible gift of watching these amazing girls grow, and playing an intricate role in the molding of their lives.

Tony's first daughter, Khristian married her high school sweetheart, Billy Roberts in March of 2003. We all loved Billy and Mom was so happy that Khristian had found someone to take care of her and share her life with. Both Mom and I were so proud of the person Khristian grew into. She and Billy had their first child, Mom's fifth great-grandchild, Gavin Sutton Roberts on May 9, 2005. Mom and I both cried like he was ours. Their second child, a bright blue-eyed beauty, Heidi Anne Roberts arrived on January 10, 2009. Mom was so proud for this child to carry her name. One of the last things Mom did was attend Heidi's first birthday party. Tony's second daughter Nicole and her partner, Joe Plunkett had their first child Rylan on January 10, 2005. Sadly their second child, Madison arrived in July of 2009, far too early and her fragile little body just couldn't survive that journey. Although Mom rarely saw Rylan, he was always in her prayers, and she cherished the moment when he be-friended her at Heidi's birthday party. In February of 2003, Tony's fourth girl Erica, married Chris Smith, and their first son, Mason Anthony Smith arrived on May 29, 2003. A little Erica mini-me, Natilee May Smith soon followed on May 10, 2004. Four years later their third child, Tristin was born on December 9, 2008. Mom was present for each child's arrival, and although she hardly ever saw them, she loved and worried about them. Erica and Chris divorced, and Erica is currently carrying the child of her boyfriend, Lenny Helm. Tony's fifth daughter Kati, is still unmarried, but has had a longtime relationship with her boyfriend, Dave.

Seven years after Tony was born, the family was blessed with a daughter, me- Stacy Louise Lee. I had dad’s hair, and mom's dimples, and destiny chose me to be the most rotten child to ever live. I was adored, and I adored Mom right back, every day of her life. We were inseparable, where you saw one, you saw the other. We traveled to Florida, Virginia, and Nashville several times together. Mom experienced things with me that she'd never known while Dad was alive. She blossomed, and for the first time in her life she felt some Independence. We had a lifetime of great times together. April 18, 1998 I married Gary Wibel. The three of us also shared some wonderful times which included a trip to "Graceland" where Mom pretended to lose her balance and have to catch herself on Elvis' bed. Mom and I shared a very special love. This love flowed into another generation when the love of her life, Brianna, was born on a sunny June 5, 2000 afternoon. Mom wrote a song about the special bond between a little girl and her grandmother, "Up In the O Hi O," which she sang to Brianna every night of her life. Brianna’s birthday present to her gaga was a performance of “My Old Kentucky Home” which Mom referred to as “the greatest gift she was ever given.” She loved this child as her own, and was equally loved in return. Brianna said it simply- “Gaga is my happy place.” Brianna was Mom's whole reason for living the last several years of her life. Gary and I divorced, and on October 31, 2008 I married Ross Moore. Mom was concerned at first because we met online, but once she got to know Ross she loved and relied on him as a son. He provided so much love and care to Mom the last two years of her life. Her last days were filled with appreciation of our care. Those kind words made me smile, but weren't necessary, she was my Mom, and if there was any way of comforting her, we were going to find it. It wasn't always easy, in fact, it rarely was, but that's what family does, at least it my book it is. She and I lived together for the rest of her life. First, Mom took care of me, sharing the pain of losing Dad, Erin, Aunt Peggy, Aunt Jean, and Uncle Joe, and rejoiced in the births of her great-grandchildren, then I took care of her by helping meet all of her medical needs, ease her pain, cook her favorite dishes, and make her smile whenever I could. We lived together, argued together, loved together, cried together and laughed together from the time I was born until Mom died.

When Dad died on January 2, 1985 I wondered if Mom would survive it. Not only did she survive but for the first time in her whole life, she had her own life. She returned to the workforce at the age of 60, and ran the salad bar for Winn Dixie at the Lyndon Lane location. She took great pride in her work, and was dearly loved by both her co-workers and customers who affectionately crowned her “salad bar queen.” She connected especially well with the teenagers who worked around her, they'd often come into her work area and chat or ask for advice. She continued working until 1999 when she sustained a shoulder injury which forced her to retire. She really missed her work, and the friends she'd made there.

Before Mom lost her sight, she too enjoyed bowling, and was a team member with other ladies in our edgewood neighborhood, and later bowling with both Tony & myself. She was quite good, bowling many games over 200, and receiving several trophies. Mom, Khristian and I spent many years fulfilling our love of music through traveling and attending numerous concerts. This was truly her element. A particularly happy occasion she spoke often of was a trip to Opryland with Bill, Pat, and myself where we shared chili Frito's, snow cones the size of your head, and lots of laughs and love. A cherished memento of this occasion was a recording made of Bill & I singing “Crazy.” Music was a very important facet of Mom’s life, from tearfully watching Bill sing “The Old Rugged Cross” as a child in church, to watching me perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Our family often shared our love through music.

Mom spent her remaining years just as she’d spent all the years before- having an prominent role in the raising of her grandchildren, and loving her family- 3 children, 1 son in law, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

To be continued…

OBITUARY

LEE, ANNA RUTH (MERIDETH), 80, passed away February 19, 2010 at Baptist Hospital East.

She retired from Winn Dixie at the salad bar on Lyndon Lane and was a member of Covenant Life Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Lee.

She is survived by her sons, William B. and John A. Lee; daughter, Stacy L. Lee-Moore (husband- Ross); sister, Flossie Cecil; grandchildren, Toby, Melissa, Justin, Khristian (husband- Billy), Nicole, Erin, Erica, Kati and Brianna; ten great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Funeral Home with entombment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon-8 p.m. on Tuesday and after 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home, Louisville, KY.