It is with heavy hearts that we say “see you later” to our friend and loved one. On May 8, 2020 after a short battle with cancer, Lee Shell left this earth to his final resting place with his Lord and Savior. Lee Edward Shell age 77, passed away at the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan, Montana surrounded by family and his beloved dog Auggie.
Lee was born August 30, 1942 in Ohio to Robert & Catherine (Salome) Shell. Over the years, Lee attended college in New York to be an art instructor. He married Eileen Jolan Gutshall. From this union, two sons were born, Matthew Shell (1967) and Nathan Shell (1969). Lee and Eileen divorced after many years. Lee continued his education and taught for many years in many different towns and states. He taught at Huttterite Colonies over the years and even had a gold claim in Northern California at one point in time. Lee canoed into Garfield County in the late 80’s. He lived on the shores of the lake for a couple years until he moved into Jordan. He often talked about being welcomed into the community by the first two faces he seen which was Darrell Higgins and Kelly Pierson. After moving into Jordan, he worked at the United States Post Office as a janitor, Fellman’s Convenience Store, Ryans, The Farmers Union, The Hilltop Café, The Summit Corral and substitute taught for Jordan Public Schools. He also had a love for art and would spend countless hours painting and admiring the scenery that Jordan’s landscape had to offer. He appreciated the simplicities of life.
Lee loved spending time with his friends and family. At one time he had five small dogs, Catalina, Auggie, Patrone, Boo & Elsa. He loved each and every one of those dogs so much. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, painting scenery and portraits, canoeing, hiking and the time he spent living in his tepee (which he lived in for a period of time). During his life in Jordan, he met and made friends with many people. Lee thought of Darrell & Emma Higgins as his kids and Kayla & Michael Higgins as his grandkids. He worshiped at many churches in the area and would assist wherever he could, even when he was in need. In November of 2017, Lee moved to Jamestown, North Dakota to be with his son Matt and grandson Jacob. He moved back to the Garfield County Health Center in October of 2018 after the unexpected death of his son Matt.
Lee enjoyed living at the Garfield County Health Center and enjoyed visiting with all the other residents there. He loved the staff at the Health Center and talked very highly about them and their professionalism. In the fall of 2019, he decided to broaden his horizons and move to Eagles Manor in Miles City to be closer to his church and church actives. He enjoyed the short period of time he lived at Eagles Manor. He talked fondly of the staff and how not only were they professional but also compassionate and sincerely cared about all their residents. When Lee became unable to care for himself, he chose to move “home” to Jordan and reside at the Garfield County Health Center until the Lord called him home. Lee was very compassionate about his love for the Lord. He was very adamite that he wanted people to remember him as a Christian.
Lee is survived by his son, Nathan (Nate) Shell, grandson Jacob Shell & his honorary family, Darrell, Emma, Kayla & Michael Higgins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Catherine Shell, son Matthew (Matt) Shell & good friend, Pat Talbot.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow on Monday at 3:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday May 18, 2020
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday May 18, 2020
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave.
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday May 18, 2020
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday May 18, 2020
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave.
Miles City , Montana 59301
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Erin Lantis Leininger says
RIP Lee You will be missed by so many!!
Irene Trogden says
Matt. So sorry for your loss. Hope you are doing well
Sharon Ellington says
Lee was a blessing to us. His kindness and gentle spirit is something I will remember fondly.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Sending Condolences to all of Lee’s Family .He was a special person .He will be missed by all who knew him
Sue FitzGerald says
I am glad i got to know Lee. He was an interesting man. My most sincere sympathy.
Laurie Oladele says
Lee always had a smile for everyone he met. He was a joy to be around. RIP my friend
Jo Dee Watson says
It saddens me to here of Lee’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Holly Shane Harbaugh says
He was always so nice. We always talked about gardens. Rest In Peace.
Joe & Bev Murnion says
Lee was one of the nicest guys we have ever know Always one you were glad to see Our sympathy to all.
John snd Lillian Loomis says
So sorry for your loss , Lee was liked by everybody, he was a caring person, always ready to visit a bit!
Leah says
Lee was a good friend to me. I met him fresh off the canoe and always dropped by on my rare trips through Jordan. I will miss him. Rest in Peace
Clyde Leischner says
I will miss those early mornings when we talked about the Lord, visited about art and painting techniques while on on our way to Bible Study. My heart is heavy with Lee’s passing but rejoicing in his eternal location with the Lord. Lee was truly a witness for the faith in his savior. Jesus Christ.
Darrell, Emma, Kayla, Michael & Dalton Higgins says
Jacob~ big hugs to you. Your grandpa was one of a kind. He will be so missed… well he already is. Lee was a one of a kind guy. He had so many compassions in life. He always had an ear for a friend, a love for the Lord, a few minutes to visit and share a story or two & those sparkling eyes!!! I will always treasure the times we spent together and our relationship. Well my good friend / family…this is not “good bye” it’s “see ya later” and that we will. Love & miss you already.
Your 2nd Family~ Darrell, Emma, Kayla, Michael & Dalton
Kriss Erickson says
Lee was my art teacher in Libby, MT in 1973 or 1974. He was a gentle encouraging teacher, who wanted to help students find their own form of expression through art. I had no idea he was from MT, he possessed a bit more panache that must have come from his time in NY. To all of Lee’s family and chosen family, my heart goes out to you. I saw Lee’s picture and immediately recognized his smile!