MEEKER, Okla. — Sue Ellen Marie Lee was born on Feb. 23, 1946, in Great Bend. She went to her heavenly home on Feb. 16, 2026, just days before her 80th birthday.
Sue Ellen was raised in Kansas, where she graduated from high school and later attended Hutchinson Community College. After her schooling, she moved to Oklahoma and began working at the VA Hospital as a medical clerk. It was there that she was set up on a blind date with Jack Lee — a date that would change her life forever. On Oct. 24, 1975, Jack became her husband, and together they built a beautiful life over the next 50 years.
Sue Ellen faithfully worked for many years at the VA Hospital before retiring. Retirement did not slow her down; it simply gave her more time to enjoy the things she loved most. She had a deep love for horses, farming, gardening, and spending time at the lake. Sue Ellen cherished being outdoors, soaking in the sunshine and taking in the beauty of God’s creation. For a time, she also enjoyed photography, capturing special moments and the beauty she saw around her.
She was especially fond of traveling and cruising, with Alaska holding a special place in her heart as her favorite destination. Above all, Sue Ellen loved the Lord and found joy in seeing His beauty reflected throughout the world.
Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She relished every opportunity to support her grandchildren in their many activities and accomplishments. Sue Ellen was an amazing woman, known for her kind, selfless spirit and unwavering love for those around her.
Sue Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Jack Lee; her sons, Phillip Lee and wife Shannon, Dennis Lee and wife Lindsey, and Brandon Lee; her daughter, Tamera Jackson and husband Bobby; her brothers, Steve Gaunt and wife Glenna, Terry Gaunt and wife Glenda, and David Gaunt; her grandchildren, Dallas Jackson and wife Karlie, Dakota Jackson and wife Kennedy, Peyton Lee, Paige Lee, Trey Lee and wife Kelly, Brody Lee and Skylar Lee; and her great-grandchildren, Blakelie and Jaylee Jackson and Laiken and Jett Jackson, Emilea, Arianna, Harper, Zayden, Paysleigh and Dru Lee. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Carolyn Anshutz.
Sue Ellen’s legacy of faith, love, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sue Ellen Marie Lee, please visit our flower store at https://www.parksbrothers.net/.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 14, 2026
