Lee was a talented and creative homemaker, making beautifully tailored clothing for her family and occasionally for others. She later made dolls and stuffed animals, as well as fancy dresses and blazers and bow ties, for her grandchildren. After taking a night class at Tech High School with a dear family friend, she thereafter upholstered most of the home furniture. She also refinished or antiqued cabinets and tables for her home. She was a wonderful cook, emphasizing good nutrition but also baked fancy pies, cakes, and other delicacies for special occasions. She cut hair for all the family members, and gave perms to the girls. She helped supervise homework and school projects and served as the PTA treasurer while her girls were in elementary school.
In the days of sepia photographs, before colored photos were available, Lee tinted sepia photos with oil paints, a skill she learned from a neighbor who was a professional photographer.
Lee sold Tupperware for a few years after having her second child, making several very dear friends in the process.
Lee held several different offices, including president, during the many years in which she was a member of the Arlington Chapter of the International Travel Study Club and also the Irvington Fortnightly Club, which was a 100 year old literary club that disbanded in 1997. Through these clubs she supported the Marion County Guardian Home in Irvington, wrapping presents every Christmas for the children who revolved in and out of this home and helping keep their birthday shelf stocked . Little did she know that one day her first grandchild would come into herfamily from this facility.
Over the years, Lee came to the aid of a number of friends and family members, helping them with whatever was needed and being a friend to those who were alone.
Lee is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Robert G. Kr eider; daughters M. Jeannine (St eve) Mattingly and Stephanie G. (Richard) Anderson; grandchildren Benjamin Mattingly, Robert W. Mattingly, and Kyle A. Mattingly, Daniel B. (Brandy) Anderson, and Emily Anderson; three great-grandchildren Avery, Jackson, and Colt Anderson; and many nephews and nieces. Lee is also survived by her older brother Ray; and two sisters, Ruthie and Nancy. She was preceded in death by siblings Irene Morrison, Stanley Helm, Helen Miller, Charles Helm, and Warren Helm.
The family would like to thank the East Team of IU Health Hospice for their kindness and excellent care and the staff members of Heritage Woods who were so sweet to her.
A private service was held as requested by the deceased.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Lee was especially proud of the U.S. veterans and would have appreciated contributions to any of the charities that help former service men and women and their families.
Wings
Oh, to catch the winds of flight
And soar where eagles go,
To leave the woes of troubled souls
Behind me far below.
I’d listen to the song of birds
And sail in endless flight,
Then chase the sun through cloudy paths
And play with stars at night.
The boundless heavens for my home,
The breeze to lift me high,
To rise above my mortal bonds
And never have to die;
Knowing I had found the way
To trails where angels trod,
And when my wings could fly no more –
I’d take the hand of God!
- C. David Hay