Ruth Lee

Tupelo - Ella Ruth Baker Lee, 85, died Saturday, January 22, 2011, at The Sanctuary Hospice House after an extended illness. A Pontotoc County native, she was born February 19, 1925 to Homer Lee and Bessie Volena Cummings Baker. She was married to 42 years to Henry Lee who preceded her in death November 15, 2000. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church where she served many years as Director of the Church nursery and as Secretary of the adult Sunday School Department. Ruth was involved with the Bereavement Committee at the Church, Volunteered with Vacation Bible School, along with numerous other Church activities and functions. She was known for her dedicated passion for visiting the sick and elderly and sending cards to others. She was an outstanding cook who took great pride in caring for her family.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at First Baptist Church with Dr. V. Gayle Alexander, Rick Ball and Chad Grayson officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Janie Ruth Lee and Patti Lee Henderson (Bryan) both of Saltillo; one sister, Betty Baker Crawford (Bobby) of Brandon; one brother, Edwin Baker (Joyce) of Pontotoc.
She was preceded in death by five brothers;Franklin Baker, Leland Baker, Grady Baker, Gaylan Baker, Eugene Baker; and one sister, Minnie V. Swinney.
Pallbearers will be Randle Feather, Jeff Cox, Jim Floyd, George Mason, Dr. John Bowlin, Rickey Reynolds, Paul Poland and Phillip Long.
Craig Chancey will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Visitation will be 4 - 8 p.m. Monday, January 24, 2011 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, Miss 38802 and First Baptist Building Fund, 300 N. Church St. Tupelo, Miss 38804. Or Gideons International, P. O. Box 1073, Tupelo, MS 38802
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com