Barbara Lea (Hinds) Lee

Barbara Lea (Hinds) Lee, July 12, 1954 - November 29, 2023

On November 29, 2023, Barbara Lea Lee went to live forever with her best friend and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Barbara Lea Hinds was born at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, MD, July 12, 1954, to Earl Wendell Hinds and Betty Lou (Rhinard) Hinds. She lived most of her childhood with her mother and beloved grandparents, Leo and Rachel Rhinard, who pointed her to The Lord. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1972 and met her future husband, Hee Kwan Lee, in 1979- shortly after he emigrated from South Korea. They married in the Little Stone Church on Mackinac Island, July 18, 1985.

Barb loved spending time with family. She orchestrated Memorial Day reunions in Homer and made a point of keeping in touch with relatives- distant and near. Barb was affectionately called “GrammaLee” by her three grandchildren who adored her silly attitude and willingness to “wrestle”.

Barbara’s faith was evident in how she treated others. She would frequently initiate a conversation with complete strangers and was quick to make new friends. Barb enjoyed reading the Bible and would re-read it every year. She cherished walking where Jesus had walked on a trip to Israel in 2007.

Barb lived her life in service to others and in close fellowship with those around her. She served as a guardian for a World War II Veteran on a NW Ohio Honor Flight. She danced weekly with the Ladies Worship & Dance Class at In His Steps Dance Studio. She could often be found walk-talking with friends and loving on her rescue puppy, Bodee.

Barb was employed by B. C. Community Hospital (1972-1976); VA Medical Center (1977-1985); and Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center-DoD/DRMS (1985-1998). She also worked as an Election Inspector for several years for the City of Springfield.

After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering for several organizations including Calhoun County Medical Care Facility, Inasmuch House, Our Daily Bread Ministries, and South Michigan Food Bank.

Remaining family members are her husband, Hee Kwan Lee (Battle Creek); son, Alex Lee (Brighton); daughter-in-law, Jessica Lee; grandson, Matthew Lee; granddaughter, Elizabeth Lee; grandson, Brandt Lee; daughter, Katie Lee (Kalamazoo); brother, Bob Hinds (Cheryl) (Battle Creek); step-sister, Cecily Dell (Longmont, CO); step-brother, Steve Dell (Alden, MI); nephew Scott Webber (Bryan) (Durham, NC); nieces Susanne Albaitis (Grand Rapids) and Jennifer Dell-Norman (Adam) (Forest Grove, OR).

Preceding Mrs. Lee were her mother, Betty Dell; father, Earl Hinds; step-father, Frank Dell; sister, Connie Webber; and nephew, Todd Webber.

At her request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care at 105 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017 on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 1pm. The service will be Livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/3926932

Please visit www.farleyestesdowdle.com to sign the guest book and/or leave a condolence for the family. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to donate to Haven of Rest Ministries, Battle Creek, MI, thehavenbc.org