Lois Denetsosie Lee

Lois Denetsosie Lee, born October 6, 1939, in Burnham, New Mexico, to Chee D. Benally and Marie Redhorse Benally, passed into the next world surrounded by the love of her family. Lois was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose life was defined by family, faith, community, and the relationships she built throughout her years.

Lois began her career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Eastern Agency Huerfano Dormitory in 1967. She dedicated many years to serving children and families and retired in 2014 from Hanaa’dli Community School & Dormitory. Throughout her life, Lois was a woman of faith, a storyteller, and someone who cherished the relationships she built throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling, good food, church, sharing stories, and laughter with those around her. Most of all, she took great joy in developing and nurturing relationships with family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Lois was blessed with six children, ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson, along with brothers, sisters, extended family, and many loved ones who were an important part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chee D. Benally and Marie Redhorse Benally; her husbands, Leonard Brown Sr. and Tom H. Lee Sr.; her son Ryan Lee; her grandson Cory Newton; and several siblings.

Lois leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, stories, and family. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave and the memories she created will remain with her family for generations to come.

Services

A viewing will be held Thursday, August 20, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Desert View Funeral Home in Shiprock, New Mexico.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Word of Life Church in Farmington, New Mexico. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery.

The family will not be hosting a reception following the burial.