LEE, Van

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 02/01/2005 Van Lee, 70, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 in Whiteriver. He was born Nov. 9, 1934 in Cibecue, Arizona and has lived his whole life there. Van served as a policeman, fireman, bus driver and custodian in his community. He was an excellent horseshoe player. Van was an all-around cowboy, wining 19 saddles for roping, as well as many trophies and buckles. He would say, "A Cowboy never cries, A Cowboy never dies, One tough Cowboy." Van enjoyed camping with his family; he was very friendly and outgoing. Van is survived by his wife, Agnes C. Lee of Cibecue; children, Jerry Lee of Cibecue, Ivan Van Lee of Canyon Day, Bronson Lee, Sr. of Whiteriver, Brenda Gushone of Whiteriver, Sarphina Lee of Cibecue, Rebecca Cosay of Cibecue; brothers, Grant Lee, Sr. of Show Low, Mosiah Lee of Ft. Apache, Riley Lee of Show Low, James Chatlin, Bronson Chatlin, Larson Chatlin, all of San Carlos; sisters, Marie Henry of Cibecue, Ameda Haven of Cibecue. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, and two daughters. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Cottonwood Gymnasium in Cibecue, with a two-night wake beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the family residence in Cibecue. Interment will be in the Open Range Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. To send private condolences or to sign the online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.