Viola Lena Marie Lee, 97, Minot, died Sunday, October 12, 2014 in a Minot nursing home.

Viola was born on March 24, 1917 in Newman Township of Ward County to Christ and Marie (Schoenwald) Gliege. She was raised and educated in the Velva, ND area and graduated from Velva High School in 1936.

Viola successfully completed her teacher's exam after her high school graduation allowing her to teach at country schools while attending summer school. She earned her teaching certificate in 1940. Viola was employed at the AAA office until 1943 and Minot Federal Savings and Loan for two years.

Viola married Thomas Lee on October 12, 1944 in Minot, ND. This union was blessed with four children, Jerald, James, Donald, and Paul. Viola returned to Minot Federal in 1955 and continued employment there until her retirement in 1979. At the time of her retirement, she was Vice President of the Loan Department at the bank. Tom died March 12, 2004.

Viola was a longtime member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot, where she served as an active volunteer. She was also a member of the Elk's Lodge in Minot. Her hobbies included making lefse, baking, quilting, bowling, gardening, playing scrabble and spending time with her family and friends.

She was an avid Twins fan, dedicated Hostfest volunteer and was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Viola's loving family includes her children: Jerald Lee (Donald Ofstedal), Minneapolis; James (Janice) Lee, Max; Donald Lee, Minot; Dr. Paul Lee, Minneapolis, MN grandchildren: Michael (Tera) Lee, Farmington, MN; Brian (Sarah) Lee of Max, ND, Emily Lee, Minneapolis; Jennifer (Robert) Moore, Gilbert, AZ; Rebecca Lee (Tracy Tarr), Minneapolis, MN; great grandchildren: Michael, Joshua, Alex and Ethan Lee; Joseph, Ethan & Noah Moore; Regan, Nolan and Tanner Lee; sister, Adela Linrud, Minot; brother, Hervin (Fran) Gliege, Federal Way, WA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom; brothers: Duane, Alvin, Lyle, Herbert and Rudolph; sisters, Luella and Selma; and daughter-in-law, Carla Lee.

Funeral Service : Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.