1850 Farmer value of land $300
Obituary: Mildred Modena McDowell Lee, daughter of Joseph and Reta Jane Strong McDowell, was born on Feb. 11 1879 in Marion, KY and passed away March 26 1964 at the Phillips County Home at the age of 85 years 1 month and 15 days.
She came to Kansas in 1909 and was married to Elbridge G. Lee on Aug 25 1910, who preceded her in death March 26 1945, To this union were born five children: Berna Dean Lee who preceded her mother in death June 5, 1961, Mrs. Myrtle Burgess of Bellaire, Kans.; Mrs. Ava Tiffany of Denver, Colo., Ernest Lee of Phillipsburg, Kansas and Rev. Warren Lee of Burundi, Africa.
She also leaves to mourn her passing, two daughter-in-laws and two sons-in-laws; seven step children, Florence Hebrew of Longmont, Colo., Nancy Short of Goodland, Kans., Anna Schumaker of Fayette, Ohio, Elbert Lee of Longview Wash., Harley Lee of Emporia, Kansas., Jesse Lee of Kirwin Kansas and Ted Lee of Booneville, Wash; one sister, Emma Hamby of Marion KY.; one brother, Will McDowell of Pueblo, Colo.; nine grandchildren and 27 step-grandchildren.
Mrs. Lee lived with her husband on a farm east of Phillipsburg until his death then she and her daughter Myrtle moved to Phillipsburg where they lived until failing health forced her to be taken to the Phillips County Home where she has been cared for the last five years.
Grandma Lee, as she was known by many, was a very faithful member of the Calvary Baptist church and always enjoyed attending its services whenever it was possible as she had been in failing health for several years.
Memorial services were held in the Calvary Baptist church on Monday, March 30 with the Rev. Harold Engleman officiating. The hymns were sung by Mrs. Harold Engleman and Mrs. Donald Kelley, accompanied by Mrs. Don Andrews. Pallbearers were: Donald Kelley, Duane Rousselle, Harley Parker, Lester Mulkey, Jim Patton and Duane Troyer. Interment was in the Fairview cemetery.
Taken from the Phillips County Review, April 2 1964