Doris Lee

Doris Marie Lee passed away on February 13, 2024 at the age of 100 after a brief illness. She was born on August 25, 1923 in Mission, South Dakota, the youngest of nine children to Lydia and Martin Knittel, all of whom predeceased her. In June 1945, she married Jack Lee, who died in October 1995. 
 
Together they had four children: Sylvia Roba and her husband Bill Roba of Davenport, Iowa; Schuyler Lee and his wife Lisa of East Moline, Illinois; and Geoffrey Lee of Nashville, Tennessee. All survive her. David John Lee died shortly after birth in May 1949. Also surviving her are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Jennifer Roba, her husband Sean Morgan and their son Guthrie; Allison Roba, her husband Paul Vandivort and their son Ezra; Rachel Lee, Patrick Lee, Anna Lee and Maggie Lee. All of them were touched and taught by her and knew her tender love. 
 
Following her high school graduation, Doris trained to be a nurse at St. John's Catholic Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1944. In her 30 years as a nurse, she found rich fulfillment in providing compassionate care in all of her jobs, from general duty and head nurse, including an assignment at Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany, to Director of Nursing at Illini Hospital, Silvis, Illinois, where she retired. On her 100th birthday, numerous colleagues and employees acknowledged her roles as mentor and guide and her influence on their health care careers.
 
 Doris was also a faithful and dedicated supporter of her church, always willing to serve. She had many active roles in her local church and served in leadership positions for the larger United Methodist Church, at state and national levels. She touched many lives at Moline Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church.
 
 Doris was also a curious and fun-loving person, slow to laugh, but quick to enjoy a hand of Bridge, Euchre or Gin Rummy or a game of Chicky-Foot with her great-grandsons. Doris loved to travel and visited Germany many times with her children and other relatives. Raised in a German-speaking home, she loved to engage with German friends on her travels there.
 
 From these details of her life, what stands out most is the dignity of a modest, intelligent, determined and gentle soul. For her entire life, she quietly observed, quietly accepted family and friends. We respect her 100-year journey in life, with its inevitable highs and lows. She has taught and shown us all so much. She will be missed.
 
 Visitation and a Memorial Service will be held at Moline Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church, 1201 13th Street, Moline, IL 61265 on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Visitation will be from 1PM to 2PM in the Fellowship Hall and the Memorial Service will be in the Sanctuary at 2PM. Please direct memorial contributions to the church.