Mariellen Pepper Lee, age 93, was born in Lubbock, Texas, November 26, 1925. Her loving parents were John Wilson and Ethel May (Matyear) Pepper. She joined two older brothers, John Jr. and Robert on a family ranch where she learned to ride, rope and play baseball. Mariellen rode a horse to school her first five years and then moved to Sweetwater, Texas. She enjoyed school, was voted “Queen of May” in 5th grade, and learned to play the French horn so she could sit side by side with Toppy Lee in band for six years through Junior High and High School.
Graduating in 1943, she attended North Texas State in Denton, Texas, earning a degree in Home Economics. She taught in Eldorado, Texas, for one year before marrying. On June 17, 1948, Mariellen married her high school beau and best friend, J.R. “Toppy” Lee, in her grandparents’ home. Their honeymoon was moving her to Montana, where they were part of the Porcupine Ranch, north of Forsyth.
In 1955 Lee Ranch was formed and the family moved to town into the house on 5th Avenue where they’ve lived for 64 years, raising three children, welcoming a neighborhood of children and ranching from town. Her family always came first. She ran her home lovingly and efficiently. She relaxed when she sewed and we were blessed with many fine clothes made by her. She could make anything from a picture. Mariellen enjoyed experimenting with all different kinds of needlework. She taught herself how to do them from old-fashioned tatting to most recently Romanian lace following a cruise up the Danube River. The family enjoyed traveling over the years and always looked forward to the yearly trips to Texas to see kin and friends. Mariellen also traveled to Woman’s Club conventions all over the nation. She eagerly made it a point to visit the Cokers wherever they were stationed with the Army and reserved a month to spend with each new baby. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31: 28)
Mariellen was also the consummate volunteer. She was a Christian and considered her church important. The Forsyth Federated Church was her joy. She taught Sunday school, ladies’ Bible studies, belonged to the Women’s Association and helped with many bazaars and meals. She was organist there for 35 years. Her commitment to play the organ came with a price—not wearing a hat on Sundays! And she did love hats. She also accompanied singers and played for countless weddings and funerals in Forsyth.
Mariellen was a 71-year member of the Forsyth Chapter of the General Federation of Woman’s Club where she served in every office over the years. She was also State President 1990-92. She was awarded Most Outstanding Club Woman of Montana in 2008. The local projects she was most proud of were the formation and care of Marcyes Park and the Rosebud County Library new building in 1970. The group was voted “Friends of the Library” by the State Library Association. She served on the local Library Board for 35 years.
Mariellen was active in the Order of Eastern Star from 1965 to the present. She was Worthy Matron of Bethlehem Chapter three times, including their 75th and 100th anniversaries. She served as Mother Advisor for Rainbow for Girls and holds the Grand Cross of Colors.
The County Fair also claimed her time. She served as Superintendent of 4-H Clothing and then Open-Class Needlework for over 50 years. Her homemade treasures were entered for 71 years. Mariellen also judged foods and clothing at Fairs around Eastern Montana for 20 years. Most of her fine embroidery and sewing she gave away and we ate her jams, jellies, and pickles.
Mariellen belonged to a Homemakers Club. She learned to re-upholster furniture, she built shelves, she was at ease with tools. Her favorite store was the hardware store. When she was 16 she took apart an old pump organ that had belonged to her great aunt; she cleaned each piece and reassembled it. The organ is in their home and still plays.
Mariellen passed into glory on October 7, 2019, after a courageous fight with pneumonia. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15) She is survived by her loving husband, Toppy, and their three children, Laura Vermandel (Robert), Ellen Coker, and Bruce Lee. They have eight grandchildren to whom they are Grandtoppy and Grandmommie: Maggie Joy, Shannon Crable (Gary), Leslie Pade (Dru), Sarah Anne Hoffmann (Darren), Amanda Coker, Charlotte Coker, Matthew Coker (Shannon), and Lynzee Lee and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers and two sons-in-law: Herb Anderson and Larry “Buz” Coker.
Mariellen lived her faith in a life of serving and helping her family and others, always with love and faithfulness. None of us ever heard a curse or a coarse word leave her mouth. She was a lady. The scripture she particularly wanted mentioned is Job 19: 25-27 in the Living Translation: “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And I know that after this body has decayed, this body shall see God! Then he will be on my side! Yes, I shall see him, not as a stranger, but as a friend! What a glorious hope!”
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday October 13, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 14, 2019
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday October 13, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 14, 2019
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Rosebud County Library Staff says
We at Rosebud County Library are so sorry to hear of Mariellen’s passing. She and her family have such a long history at our library and it feels as though we’ve lost one of our pillars. We offer our condolences to all of Mariellen’s family and friends.
Sending love,
Heather Johnstone
Susan Martin
Yvonne Redding
Carla Aldrich Meyer
Lena Dresbach says
I am saddened to hear of Mariellens passing. She was a wonderful friend to me and my biggest cheerleader for the past 8 years. I will miss her encouragement, friendship , sense of humor and love.
Carol Moore says
I am so sad to learn of Mariellen’s passing. She was my Mother Advisor when I joined Rainbow many years ago. She was such an elegant lady. My prayers are with all of you.
Terri and Charlie Brown says
Elegance and grace describe this beautiful lady. I was so saddened to hear of her passing. My heart goes out to this wonderful family. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Carol Plympton says
We are so sorry to hear of Mariellen’s passing. She was always very special to me. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. May God hold you tightly. Love from Rocky and Carol
George and Ina Haines says
Thoughts and prayers from George and Ina Haines at the passing of Mariellen. She was a very sweet lady and so very much a lady.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences to the family of a wonderful gracious lady.
Sharon Wetsch says
We were so sorry to hear of Mariellen’s passing. Forsyth has lost one of it’s best promoters for our County Fair.
She was a wonderful lady. Our condolences to the family. Prayers.
Janet F. Guptill says
Mariellen Lee was a person you didn’t forget! She was active in community work, her church affiliation, talent for her music, her family, the people of her life in and around Forsyth. She was a gracious, artistic, person, a role model for many, in a kind and caring way. Though younger than my mother, Dorothy Spannagel, Mom always cherished her friendship and her demeanor in the organizations that they shared. I must say, she was one to look up to and now missed dearly since she has joined her Creator in Heaven. May God Bless those around her in their sorrow. Janet F. Guptill – Jordan, Montana.
Dwayne Albertson says
An always kind and gracious lady…knowing her has made me a better person.
Condolences to the family.
Lynn Tompkins says
Mariellen was such a class act. Our town of Forsyth has lost a true leader and a wonderful example of how we all should try to live our lives.
Donna Bends says
Such a beautiful person inside and out. A true lady. Condolences to family
Chuck Dalby says
Chuck Dalby
It saddened me greatly to learn of Mariellen’s passing. She was such a graceful, kind and loving person. Always upbeat and willing to listen and help out. To all the neighborhood kids of the 300 block of North 5th ave, she was also a surrogate mother who kept a careful eye on us as we ran and screamed through the backyards of Forsyth.
One vivid memory I have is the enticing smells that were always wafting through the Lee household–something was always cooking and it was always good ! In the years since I left Forsyth and returned home, usually for the fair, I did not feel that I was truly back, until I saw Mariellen in the fairground exhibit hall–then I knew. Go with God Mariellen, and know that you made all our lives better.
Mike and Paula Childers says
Heartfelt condolences to the Lee family. Mariellen will be missed in Forsyth, she was always involved in the community.
Diana Robinette says
A very sweet and Godly lady, she very active and a pillar in the community, she will be missed, my condolences goes to Toppy and the family.
Diana Potts Robinette family
Rebecca Heberle says
Mariellen was a great lady. She encouraged everyone. We will truely miss her.
Marylyn Weeks says
Sending my condolences to Mariellen’s family. She was such a caring, sweet lady. She made a important difference in so many instances & places in Montana. I had the pleasure of serving with her when she was the General Federation of Woman’ Club of Montana President.
Sharon Lincoln says
Mariellen Lee was a wonderful lady, inside and out. I always remember her beautiful smile and gracious ways. She will always be remembered with great fondness.
Jessie Leidholt says
The Lee family has lost their Queen, I am so sorry. Many years ago I had the great pleasure and opportunity to spend time with Mariellen during my time with Eastern Star and Rainbow. We also had some delightful times playing cards and other activities. She was always the perfect lady and a delight to be around. Her lovely soft voice will be missed by many. Hugs to all of you.
Debra Nolan says
Sending our condolences to Mariellen’s family.
Debbie & Pete Nolan
Mark Peterson says
To all of the Lee family… Kate and I send our condolences. As Bruce is very aware, I’ve been through this as well. I know you have many fond memories of her – they will help you all through this difficult time.
Ray & Nancy Schaefer says
We are so sorry to hear of Mariellen’s passing. She was such a caring and sweet lady, also a wonderful neighbor. I especially enjoyed talking about our flowers. We will truly miss her.
Donna McCulloch says
When I was a little girl my dad ( Ray Monasmith)worked for Toppy, so I got to occasionally see Mrs. Lee. I always thought she was the nicest lady. she was such a classy woman. I am sorry to hear of her passing and send my condolences to the family.
Clifford "Monte" and Laura Monasmith says
Words are never enough. Prayers are. God Bless Mariellen, Toppy and their family.
Connie Brown says
My prayers are for the family of Mariellen; I know the void she has left in many or our lives so I can only imagine the void she has left in her families lives. Being in Woman’s Club I know she was our rock, whenever there was a question it was ask Mariellen. I will miss seeing her in church on Sunday. We have missed seeing her at the fair with the needlework. I thank God for the fine upstanding Christian woman she was! She touched so many of our lives in teaching each of us to be a kinder person by the example she led, and to hold our heads up high.
Debbie Anderson says
Ellen and family. I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I think of you often and with warm memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Toppy, Laura, Ellen, Bruce & Families
Mariellen was a true woman of grace. I have many fond memories of sewing up stairs in her sewing room. I can still see the material and hear her instructions. Mariellen not only encouraged me in 4-H sewing but to enter my projects in open-class where I was awarded blue ribbons.
Proverbs 31:25-26 describes Mariellen “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
Memories of this woman will be cherished by all those who witnessed her grace.
TJ Cape says
The Gillin family sends our sincere condolences. Mariellen was special lady.
Heidi Kallenbach Dykman says
Tippy, Laura, Ellen, Bruce and Families, I have such fond childhood memories of Mariellen’s smiles, kind words, and tolerance of those renegade neighbor children. I spent countless hours playing with the kittens in your backyard garage, climbing your trees, and playing endless make believe games on your back patio— many times glancing up and seeing Mariellen’s smile looking out through a window or the back door. Wishing all of you many happy memories.
With sincere condolences,
Heidi Kallenbach Dykman
Andrew Schulenberg says
Such a Beautiful and caring Lady. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Toppy , the Family and all those who Loved Her. May She Rest in Peace 🙏 Charlys
Nancy and Ron Aasland says
What a wonderful loving lady Mariellen was. She exhibited ALL the attributes of a Christian and she promoted Forsyth very well. Our sympathies to Toppy and the children. I babysat for the kids some and had a hard time with the dog Bobo. The kids and I did OK but not the dog. He used to try to bite me and I got so I was afraid of him.
Ron and Nancy Aasland
Apex, NC
Rita FitzGerald says
93 years of grace and love! What a gracious lady to everyone. It was an honor to have known her and her children all show that give in their lives. The Lord has a treasure with him now!😇
Christy Suits Hoffmann says
So very sorry to hear of Mariellen’s passing! She was such a vibrant, loving person, and will be greatly missed. You’re all in my prayers. God bless.
jackie dassinger says
Mariellen was a true LADY — always! I remember being at her home for various coffees, etc.
She was such an elegant hostess and so friendly at all times. Forsyth was fortunate to have known her. Condolences to all of her family. Jackie Dassinger (and Steve Radue)
Les and Nancy Brennan says
We send our condolences to the entire Lee family on the passing of Mariellen. She was such a gracious, industrious and kind person.