Ida Belle Lee

IDA BELLE LEE October 1, 1926 – October 28, 2010 Salem, Oregon Ida Belle (Dunnagan) Lee, 84 of Salem passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, October 28th surrounded by family. Ida was born in Faxon, Oklahoma, October 1, 1926, youngest of 9 children born to Ida Lou and Thomas Dunnagan.  She lived on a farm outside town as a girl, later traveling west to join a sister in Astoria, Oregon.  Like many wartime young women, she met her future husband in a dance hall in the seaside hamlet, Hammond.  Ida and Norman Lee married in the First Christian Church, November 1948 in Astoria.  Together with Norm they raised 5 children.  She considered children and family her proudest accomplishment. Norm and Ida welcomed three daughters during their years in Astoria.  They set up housekeeping in their first home along Young’s River estuary outside Astoria.  They moved to a drier climate, Denver, Colorado returning to live in Salem, Oregon.  Two sons arrived to complete the cast in their home in Salem.  The family enjoyed trips by car to Oklahoma, for several summer vacations, visiting relatives along the way, returning with pictures and stories of adventures along the road.  Ida and Norm enjoyed drives to the beach with stops at Mo’s in Lincoln City for a bowl of  famous clam chowder.  They also narrated local history to the next generation on family trips in Astoria. Ida is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Norman and daughters Linda Sly (Richard) Salem, Norma Buckno (Ray) Keizer, Mary Free, Stayton and sons Rolland Lee (Diane) Midvale, Utah and Matthew Lee (Connie) McMinnville – Ida cherished her grandchildren;  Heather, Niki, Jeremy, Casey, Natalie, Brennen, Tabitha, Carissa, McKenzie & Matthew.   Ruby McGinnis, a surviving sister resides in Portland.  Ida was predeceased by her parents, 2 sisters and 5 brothers and one grandchild, Brina Free. The family extends sincerest appreciation to caregivers at Avamere Court, Keizer and Salem Hospital staff and physicians. Viewing at Weddle Funeral Home, 1777 N. Third Ave, Stayton is Thursday, November 4th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm A funeral service at Weddle Funeral Chapel, Stayton is planned on Friday, November 5th at 1:00 pm – a burial service follows at Fox Valley Cemetery, Lyons.