Lena “Lee” Edmunds, 96, Dickinson, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, died peacefully Saturday, October 27, 2012 at the CountryHouse Residences, Dickinson. Lena’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2012 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Richardton. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, and will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to services. There will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with Deacon Bob Zent presiding.

Lee Welsch was born August 3, 1916 at Lefor, the daughter of Karl and Katherine (Jordan) Welsch. She was raised in Lefor and educated in the area, graduating from eighth grade in 1932, thereafter helping out on the farm taking care of her brothers and sister and helping in the fields.

Lee moved to St. Louis in 1936 due to the economy. North Dakota was dust and grasshoppers at that time. She left to find a job in St. Louis where she had cousins and lived with friends of the family. She was employed in various factories working with mannequins and saw blades. Her sister, Katherine, joined her in 1937.

On November 17, 1945, she married William “Bill” Edmunds at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Lee and Bill enjoyed a wonderful life. They went dancing on weekends and hosted dinner parties with their friends. They moved to Dickinson in November 2001. Lee took care of Bill until he passed away in 2003.

Lee enjoyed spending time with her family and was always ready for a game of rummy. She had a great sense of humor and knew how to use it well. She found something special about everyone and would always pay them a compliment. She will be missed by her family.

Lee is survived by her sister, Katherine Schulz; sister-in-law, Mary Welsch and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, three sisters and five brothers.

Lee’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to the professional and compassionate staff at Evergreen, CountryHouse Residence and Heartland Hospice.