Ella May Lee

She was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts on March 13, 1936, a daughter of the late Harry L. and Edna M. Clark Watson.  At three years old her family relocated to the Town of Greig where she attended and graduated from General Martin High School in 1953.  On September 24, 1954, she married Clifton J. Lee Jr. at St. Mary’s Church in Glenfield. Mr. Lee passed away on April 24, 1979.  The couple settled in Boonville on Academy Street for a time before moving to the Gorge Road in 1967.  Ella was a homemaker when her children were young.  Later when they were older, she went to work at Sunset Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in the dietary department.

She enjoyed old country music, going to dances with Cliff, and above all, spending time with family and friends, whether in person or talking on the phone.

Ella attended Christ Our Hope/ St. Joseph’s Church in Boonville when her health was better.  She was a member of the ladies auxiliary at Harland J. Hennessey VFW Post #5538.

She is survived by five children, Candy Devlin, Jeff (Sandy) Lee, Jill (Tommy) Ward, Jay (Gina) Lee, and Todd Lee; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Vera Swartout and Erma Cook.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post Street, Boonville, with Rev. Thomas Ward officiating.  Calling hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral at the funeral home.  Burial will be private in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Boonville Fire Department Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309.

For an online message of sympathy, you may go to www.millsfuneralhomes.com.