John R. Lee

John R. Lee, beloved husband and father, completed his journey home Wednesday, August 21, 2024, after living with dementia for 16 years. He was 93 and a lifetime New Mexican. Mr. Lee was born on April 23, 1931, in Grants, New Mexico. After graduating from Albuquerque High School in 1949, he began his career with Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a lineman. He progressed through the company and before retirement in 1983, supervised a large staff responsible for a multi-year project updating the telephone system. During his early years with the telephone company, he also served in the Air National Guard. In February 1951, he was activated with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. S/Sgt Lee served as armament flight chief for the 188th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Long Beach, California, until May 1952. After retirement from the telephone company, John and his wife, Ruth began traveling the United States in a fifth wheel trailer for 18 years. They were blessed to also travel extensively world-wide. They eventually settled at Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico, and also had a home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico where they would spend their later years. As John’s dementia progressed, they moved to Morningstar Assisted Living in Rio Rancho, which would be his final home. The family is grateful for the loving care he received in the Reflections Memory Care unit and the Luna de Valle Hospice care team.

John is survived by his spouse of 62 years, Ruth Lee; children, Bob Lee and wife Sharon, Julie Lucas and husband Larry, Casy Adlesperger and husband Eric, Gwen Martin, Cindy Hinson; grandchildren, Rob Lee and wife Veronica, Matthew Adlesperger and wife Jennifer, Tamara Beall and husband Jason, Paul Urioste; 14 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sister Mary Ann Mayfield; and loved nephew, nieces and extended family. Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bernice Lee; grandsons, David Lee, Kory Martin, and granddaughter, Sadira Hinson.

Graveside service will take place Saturday, August 31st, 10:30 am at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association: act.alz.org/donate.