Evelyne Lee

Evelyne (Ritchart) Lee, age 89 years, of Merrillan and formerly of Elroy, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at the Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, parting life as she lived her life, with dignity as a lady, she will be dearly missed.

She was born in the Town of Lisbon, Juneau County, Wisconsin on October 26, 1919, the daughter of Roy and Lulu (Taylor) Ritchart.  She attended grade and high school in New Lisbon, graduating in 1937.  From 1937 to 1941 she was a reporter for the Times – Argus Newspaper in New Lisbon.

On May 27, 1941, Evelyne was united in marriage to Gilbert Lee.  They moved to San Francisco where they lived for 2 ½ years while Gilbert was engaged in carpenter work.  When Gilbert enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in September 1943, Evelyne followed him in his training to many bases on the west coast.  She worked at many occupations during this time, banks, civil service, etc. 

Following wars end, Gilbert was discharged and the couple moved to Elroy where they have made their home since that time.  They owned and operated several businesses, Elroy Hardware, Lee Gas Company, and Elroy Gas Company.  Evelyne was active in the offices of these businesses.  She enjoyed being a homemaker, wife and mother.  She especially enjoyed cooking, sewing, entertaining and her family.  Evelyne was a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Gilbert of Merrillan; three daughters, Marcia (Kenneth) Lindner of Merrillan, Kathy (Wayne) Olson of Onalaska, and Rebecca Lee of Merrillan; eight Grandchildren; sixteen Great Grandchildren; a sister, Marion (Clayton) Hanson of Clifton; and a brother, Donald (Lucille) Ritchart of Colorado.  She was preceded in death by her Parents, and four brothers, Clayt, Stuart, Wayne, and Roy Jr.