Obituary – Jesse Ralph “J.R.” “Toppy” Lee, Forsyth, MT
Jesse Ralph “J.R.” “Toppy” Lee of Forsyth, Montana passed away peacefully of natural causes early morning May 5, 2024. He was 98 years old and was born November 15, 1925 in Fredericksburg, Texas, to parents Albert Griffin Lee and Alfreda Tips Lee. The family moved to Sweetwater, Texas, where Toppy grew up during the great depression and graduated from high school in 1943 second in his class. He described his childhood in Sweetwater as an idyllic time with loving supportive parents, his older sister Eleanor and younger brother Al. He spent some summers with grandparents and cousins in other parts of Texas and he has treasured those cousins and kept in close touch with them for all of his life. Toppy’s dad Albert was a cattle rancher, machinery and implement dealer and the Sweetwater postmaster. Toppy was an Eagle Scout by age 13, an excellent student, and played the french horn in the school band. Mariellen Pepper also played french horn and sat by him in the band from 8th grade through high school. They became fast friends, later sweethearts, and married.
After high school Toppy attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, for two semesters and then enlisted in the U.S.Navy where he then was enrolled in the
USNR V-12 program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, where he studied engineering for three semesters, after which he went to the Navy Midshipman School and the Harvard Graduate School of Business for three semesters. He was commissioned Ensign in the Navy May 30, 1945 and was transferred to Bremerton Navy Base in Washington. He helped to start the Surplus Disposal Unit at Bremerton, was head of the Supply Dept of the USS SAPPHO AKA 38 and was the Paymaster for that ship and several other small ships. After the war ended, he helped to decommission the USS SAPPHO and put it in the mothball fleet at Lake Union, Seattle, Washington.
After discharge from the Navy, Toppy completed his degree in agricultural business at Texas Tech University in 1947. His dad Albert with a partner had purchased the Porcupine Ranch north of Forsyth, Montana and Toppy moved to Montana. June 1948, he and Mariellen were married in Sweetwater and their wedding trip was taking Mariellen home to Montana. Toppy’s brother Al and a pal hauled all their stuff to Montana in a cattle truck. They lived on the ranch until 1955 when the partners divided it up after which all the Lees moved into the town of Forsyth the Christmas of 1955. Both Toppy and Al participated in the last of the open range gathers north of Forsyth in the late 1940’s and Toppy never tired of telling the stories of the country before it was fenced. Toppy and Al and their families have run the Lee Ranch steer operation north of Forsyth and at Angela continuously to the present. Additionally, Toppy purchased a ranch north of Colstrip on Armells Creek and he and his family have run an Angus cow herd there from 1955 to the present.
In Sweetwater growing up, Toppy was a strong, gifted tennis player. He was doubles champion of the State of Texas, won the tennis tournament at Harvard University while in the Navy, and lettered in tennis at Texas Tech University. He continued to play tennis through his adult years in Montana and took his young family for many weekends in Billings to watch and play tennis at Pioneer Park.
Toppy taught the U.S. Veterans On-Farm Training Class in Forsyth for the years 1949-1953. He said he taught the ranching part and Larry Erpelding taught the farming part, and Toppy said the program was so valuable because they were able to meet ag producers in the area, visit their farms and ranches and observe how they were operated.
During their time living on the ranch, Toppy and Mariellen were very active in the town of Forsyth. They attended the Methodist Church and sponsored the high school youth group there. They played their french horns in the Forsyth City band once a week. They were active in a big square dancing group with other couples from Forsyth and surrounding communities and there were many all night dances with lots of music, food and fun. There was always a lot of company at the ranch from Montana, Texas and Oklahoma, and a bunkhouse of cowboys for whom Toppy’s mother Alfreda cooked three meals a day. It was a fun active place.
Toppy and Mariellen had their three children while living at the ranch, Laura born 1949, Ellen born 1952 and Bruce born 1955. In December 1955, they moved to their home at 352 North 5th Avenue in Forsyth, and raised their family there. Marielllen passed away in 2019 and Toppy has continued to reside there until his death.
The Lee home in Sweetwater when Toppy was growing up was filled with music and Toppy loved all types of music, played the violin, and liked to sing. Mariellen was an excellent pianist and organist and they played and listened to music all their married life. They encouraged their children to sing and play instruments and to participate in band and music at school and church. Toppy and Mariellen had a fabulous record collection of classical, jazz, old-time country western, bluegrass and gospel. Toppy loved southern gospel music with piano and organ and actually said he thought the greatest gospel singer of all-time was Elvis Presley.
Toppy was always a reader, a student, a businessman and historian. He cared about the history of families in Montana and Texas and kept in touch with his friends and associates. He believed in free enterprise and capitalism and supported the local businesses of the Forsyth area to every extent possible. He and Mariellen were life-long enthusiasts for the Rosebud County Library and always supported it. He was a director and owner of the First State Bank of Forsyth until his death. He had been active in livestock associations in Montana including the Montana Stockgrowers Association.
Toppy enjoyed the many cowboys and ranch foremen who worked for the Lee Ranches over the years. They are too many to mention here, but he valued each one and the families with them, enjoyed working with them, and treasured their friendships that continued long after they left Lee Ranch. Toppy attended church regularly for all his life, as a Methodist in Sweetwater and then the Methodist Church in Forsyth. When the Methodist Church federated with the Presbyterian Church in Forsyth, Toppy and Mariellen then made the Federated Church their home church. Toppy also enjoyed attending the Baptist Church in Forsyth and getting to know their pastors and families over the years.
Toppy always had a good garden. His main plantings were corn, tomatoes, green beans cucumbers and squash. He liked providing it for the family and trading produce with friends and neighbors.
Toppy loved his family dearly. He was predeceased by his wife Mariellen, his parents A. G. Lee, Sr. and Alfreda Tips Lee, his sister Eleanor Lee Harris of Jefferson, TX, his brother A. G. “Al” Lee, Jr. of Forsyth, MT, his sons-in-law Larry W. “Buz” Coker of Forsyth and Herb Anderson of Billings, and many treasured cousins in Texas.
He is survived by his children Laura Lee (Robert) Vermandel of Billings, Ellen Lee Coker of Forsyth and Bruce E. Lee of Billings. He is survived by his grandchildren Sarah Anne (Darren) Hoffmann of Clovis, CA, Amanda Coker of Forsyth, Charlotte Coker of Forsyth, Matthew (Shannon) Coker of Abilene, TX, and Lynzee Lee of Billings and their families; and by grandchildren Maggie Joy Anderson, Shannon Anderson (Gary) Crable and Leslie Anderson (Dru) Pade and their families.
He is survived by his nephews Brian (Paula) Lee, Bob (Marlys) Lee and Travis Lee and their families. He also is survived by his nephews Tom Harris of Waco, TX and Tim Harris of Tyler, TX and their families. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews John W. Pepper 3d of Roscoe, TX, Betsy Pepper Kallstrom of Omaha, NE, Julia Pepper Thackrey of San Antonio, TX, Robert Pepper of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Booth Pepper of Pueblo, CO and Bill Pepper, of Kansas and their families.
Toppy is survived by his very special cousins in Texas who he kept in touch with and visited with by phone frequently until he died. They are Robin Lee, son of cousin Jack Lee, of Mason, TX and his family; Ruth Neurtzler, cousin, of Cuero, TX and her family; Wanda Lee, wife of cousin Jaime Lee, of Uvalde, TX and all her family; Bennie Frances Lee Sams, daughter of cousin Ben Lee, of Plainview TX and her family; Red Warner, husband of cousin Connie Tips, of Houston, TX, and his family, and Anne Tips, wife of cousin Bob Tips of Tulsa, Ok, now of Weatherford, TX and their family.
Our family sincerely thanks everyone at Rosebud County Healthcare, Rosebud County Senior Citizens Center, the PALs Program, Billings Clinic and Aspen Meadows Rehabilitation Center in Billings for your personal and wonderful care of Toppy during his last illness. We will always be grateful.
Should anyone wish to contribute to a charity in memory of Toppy, we suggest the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County, P. O. Box 1395, Forsyth, MT 59327.
Toppy said in his last letter to the 50th Reunion of his Harvard Supply Corps classmates, and we couldn’t say it any better here,
“ My life has been incredibly sweet. So long, old friends.
With regards, Jesse R. “Toppy” Lee ”
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth , Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Thursday May 16, 2024
Forsyth Presbyterian Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday May 16, 2024
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Reception
Following Interment
Thursday May 16, 2024
Baptist Fellowship Hall
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth , Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Thursday May 16, 2024
Forsyth Presbyterian Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday May 16, 2024
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Reception
Following Interment
Thursday May 16, 2024
Baptist Fellowship Hall
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Patty VanAsh says
Ellen and family: We are so very sorry for your loss. The VanAsh family.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Ellen, Bruce and Laura and families,
I’m writing this through tears because one of my favorite people is gone. Toppy and Mariellen were the dearest of friends and such support for me at the library. Doug always enjoyed sharing weather and ranch news with Toppy, and I always enjoyed his conversations on history.
Their presence in our community made our lives better. We share our tears and prayers for comfort with the whole family.
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you in this time of loss. May the Lord comfort you and hold you close. Love and prayers from Rocky and Carol
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Laura, Ellen and Bruce.
I am so very sorry to hear this. Toppy meant so much to so many. There was a special Texas/Montana connection to those Texans who moved to Montana. Toppy kept the connection going. He always brought Mamma summer squash, then George and finally George share some of his garden with your folks. Toppy shared numerous articles with both Momma and George, I recall one about the sale of my Pampua’’s Farm and another about Daddy’s family riding horseback to build a Church in Mason.
Toppy will be missed by many most of all his family.
Cherish your memories and Godspeed Toppy💞🙏
Ron and Carol Moore says
Bruce, Ellen and Laura,
We are so sorry to learn of Toppy’s passing. They were our neighbors after we purchased the Daley home. Their place was always neat as a pin. A big chunk of Forsyth memories involved the Lee family. Rest in peace Toppy.
Charlie & Terri Brown says
The community of Forsyth has lost one of the best. I will miss our conversations at the post office and bank. My deepest sympathy goes out to you, Bruce, Laura and Ellen. It is so hard to lose our parents. Charlie has so many stories from the Lee Ranch. Rest in peace Toppy. You will be missed.
Lori Reierson says
So sorry for your family’s loss and the community. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Laura, Ellen and Bruce and families,
Our sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. Your dad will definitely be missed by all. He was a landmark to the community.
Beverly and Jack Nile says
Laura, Ellen and Bruce,
Our sincere condolences to you and your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Jana Truscott Copps says
Laura, Ellen, Bruce
I was sorry to hear about your loss. Toppy and Mariellen were good friends of my parents and each of us had
special memories of both of them.
Condolences and prayers to you and your families.
Arlen & Barbara Kirkaldie says
Our deepest sympathies and heart filled prayers
Terri Brockel says
Laura, Ellen and Bruce:
My thoughts are with you. I remember a slumber party at your house when we were in Grade School. We heard wonderful music and crept down the stairs. There were your Mother and Father, one on the piano, one on the violin. It was magical and remains one of the fondest memories of my childhood. May you find peace in all your own memories of them.
Connie Brown says
Prayers and blessings to the Lee family, and to the Rosebud County community in the passing of Toppy Lee! So many treasured memories, by sharing them, they will continue for the family and for all who knew them.
Mark Peterson says
Bruce and family…My condolences on your loss. I know you all have many great memories of Toppy.
Kelly and Marilyn Fugere says
Laura,Ellen and Bruce
Our condolences on your loss.I have many memories spending time with Toppy Lee working cattle while helping Jeff. Toppy and I had some great laughs on many stories and times spent together. I’m sure he is in heaven sharing many stories with family and friends. Kelly and Marilyn Fugere
Chuck Dalby says
It was my privilege to grow-up in Forsyth where the Dalby family was located across the street from the Lee’s. It was a wonderful post-World War 2 neighborhood where along the 300 block of north fifth avenue there were 10 kids, ranging in age from about 3 to 10—and the Lee’s big house with a large yard, was ground-zero for all activities. And if Mariellen was the Mother Hen, carefully watching her flock, then Toppy was the Daddy bear on overwatch. But he was a gentle bear. Toppy may be the only person I have never seen visibly angry. Disappointed and concerned but never angry. And growing up I gave him plenty of things to be angry about.
In the years since I have left Helena, one of the first stops when returning home to visit Forsyth was the Lee household. First with Mariellen and Toppy and later with just Toppy. Although long gone from Forsyth, when I entered that wonderful house, I felt was home. We all miss Mariellen and now Toppy.
Yet we can all be thankful for the long and productive lives they enjoyed—and we enjoyed with them. No one could ask for more. As I have aged and trips to Forsyth have become less frequent, I have had long phone conversations with Toppy and have learned much more about him and his character. We talked about everything from growing-up to when he would buy and sell cattle, and although in failing health over the past 5 years, his memory was razor sharp at 98, and I never once heard him complain. Rather, he frequently mentioned just how extremely fortunate he was.
I also learned how immensely proud he was of the family that he and Mariellen raised—Laura, Ellen, Bruce, and the grandkids (he knew the names and ages of all nieces, nephews, and the grandchildren). He was very proud of Bruce becoming a successful businessman and attorney. And Laura, a successful attorney and horsewoman. “That Laura, she loves her horses”. And of Ellen, Toppy said many times, “Ellen, is just an amazing woman, I cannot believe all that she does”.
Jesse Ralph “Toppy” Lee, thank you for a life well-lived, and all that you did for us.
Dan Wildin says
The world and Rosebud county will never be the same !
I am grateful to have known Toppy and the verbal jousting when I built the addition on to his home ! We created a bond and cherished memories of our conversations!
He always had some of the best stories of his childhood and the move to Montana in the 30s !
His recollection of events was remarkable and I was always amazed at his ethics of running his Ranches from the chair!! He bought and sold cattle, bought hay all from the chair! And being a paymaster in the Navy he was a numbers guy! No need for a calculator or computer! It was all hand written ledgers! With worn out fingernails from sliding back and forth on the paper! Thank you for all you did for me and thank you to the family for allowing me to build the home for Maryellen and Toppy! And truley get to know him!
I am a lucky man to have known him!
God speed Toppy!
Dee & Shelly Batey says
Lee Family, Many many wonderful memories of Toppy and MaryEllen. May the Lord comfort you in this time of grief. He lived a great and honorable life. Rest in peace my friend.
Dave and Donna Lloyd says
Always enjoyed my visits with Toppy. He was a man of strong character and had much common sense. Condolences to the family.
Vickie Krause says
Laura, Ellen & Bruce, sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He definitely was a pillar of the community. The Lee legacy will live on forever. Hang onto those memories & he ‘ll always be with you. He & your mom can play music together in heaven !
Ron and Ruth Burman says
We,were saddened by this news.Toppy was a very kind and generous person.Condolences and Prayers to all the Families.
Garth Lee says
Toppy Lee
Was a true gentleman!
He always spoke highly of my parents Howard & vera Lee
No relation we came from.the great state of n dak!
When we moved to forsyth in 1968 l always said we found the desert!!
Toppy will be missed!
To Laura Bruce & Ellen Coker you can be very proud of your dad!
Very kind & total respect!
Love
Garth Lee
Ann Tips says
Toppy was a true treasure and gentleman. I learned much about Texas, Montana and the ranch through our conversations, which I will miss. I was blessed to have known him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna McCulloch says
My dad, Ray Monasmith worked for Toppy at the Colstrip ranch. I remember him as a very kind and soft spoken man. When my dad died Toppy wrote an uplifting letter to Jesus about dad. It was just a very thoughtful thing to do and says a lot of the kind of man Toppy was. My condolences to the family. May the wonderful memories you have made through the years sustain you in this sad time. Prayers of comfort for you all.
Karen and Mike Stroh says
Ellen and family, sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s peace and comfort.