Kathy A. Lee's Obituary
Kathleen “Kathy” Lee died peacefully in San Diego on December 24, 2014 in San Diego, California at the age of 68. Kathy is survived by her husband Ron, daughter Heather Staub, grandchildren Kayla Staub and Colton Lee, brother Bob West and sister Sue Sobke and many nieces & nephews. She is preceded in death by her son Toby Lee and parents, James and Virginia Harrell.Kathy was born on July 11, 1946 at Balboa Hospital in San Diego to James and Virginia Harrell of Lemon Grove. The youngest of three children, Kathy proved to be an intelligent and industrious student, graduating with honors from Mount Miguel High School in 1964.In 1965 Kathy married her childhood friend and high school sweetheart, Ronald Lee, and the two of them shared many adventures racing hot rods, camping and sailing. Over time the couple was blessed with two children, their first child Heather was born in 1970 and a few years later in 1973 they welcomed their son Toby into the home. As a family they continued to enjoy camping, sailing and motorsports. Kathy was very proud of her children. She encouraged them to pursue their goals in life and together with Ron taught them that they could achieve anything they committed themselves to Kathy demonstrated this commitment when she returned to college in her 40’s to graduate from National University in 1987 with a B.S. in marketing.That commitment was also evident in her career. After 11 years working for the County of San Diego, Kathy decided to begin a career in Real Estate and, after passing the state exam went on to become a broker associate and one of the area’s top producing real estate agents, winning numerous achievement awards. She was a dedicated and tireless professional whose concern for her clients invariably led to lasting friendships. Kathy’s clients became her extended family. She would babysit for them; give them rides to doctor appointments, anything to lend a helping hand. Kathy lived life to the fullest. She loved her ’46 Ford Hot Rod, driving it to car shows all over the Westerns States with Ron. Not one to sit on the sidelines, she loved riding her Quad in the desert on family camping trips and in 2005 drove the family ’34 Ford Race Car 150 miles an hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats to earn her Southern California Timing Association Racing License.Above all Kathy loved her family. She adored her grandchildren, Kayla and Colton and reveled in their accomplishments. She was delighted by Kayla’s work in the theatre and excited that she was going back to college to continue her drama studies. She was so proud of Colton and could be counted on to brag about her grandson being an honor roll student, and accomplished motorcycle rider.Kathy was quick with a laugh or to lend a helping hand. She was a member of the San Diego, California and National Association of Realtors and the San Diego Roadster Club.A funeral is scheduled for January 7, 2014, 1:00PM at Greenwood Memorial Park in the Garden Chapel. Jack Forness will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kathy’s life.
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