Lee Rupe

RUPE, MORRIS

Posted By: Jim McDavitt (email)
Date: 8/7/2006 at 19:57:44

Published June 30, 2006 10:04 pm

Lee Rupe, 77, Ottumwa

OTTUMWA — Lee Rupe, 77, of Midland, TX, formerly of Ottumwa, died at 8:15 p.m. June 29, 2006 at MMH Hospice in Midland, TX.

He was born December 7, 1928 in Milton to Elvy “Pete” and Dora Myrtle “Dode” Morris Rupe. He married Betty Rae Huddleston October 2, 1947 in Ottumwa. She preceded him in death December 10, 1995.

Lee was raised in the Floris and Ottumwa areas and began his lifelong career as a carpenter for the railroad. In 1968 he moved to Vista, CA and worked for the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, retiring in the early 1990’s. In 1996 he moved back to Ottumwa and then in May 2006 he moved to Midland, TX to be near family.

Surviving are three daughters, Connie Jo (Alan) Hugins of North English, Diana Kay (Reggie) Rainey of Midland, TX, and Melinda Sue (Ted) Reed of Columbus Junction; two sons, Roger (Kathy) Rupe of Midland, TX and Dennis L. (Evelyn) Rupe of Galt, CA; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Juanita Heckathorne and Peggy Wood of Ottumwa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Dianne Rupe; two brothers, Basil and Alfred Rupe and a sister, Garnet Kelly.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Ellenberger officiating.

Burial will be in Mars Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.