Shirley Belle Leep, Lee

January 20, 1942 - May 24, 2024

Shirley Belle Leep, Lee, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a lifelong Christian, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, in Coquille, Oregon. Born on January 20, 1942, in Cecil, Maryland, Shirley was the daughter of Paul Hubert Belcher and Thelma Jean Belcher (Fogleman).

Shirley was a passionate and talented woman who made a significant impact on those around her. She owned and operated Sleepy Lee Quilting, a quilt studio in Coquille, where she showcased her expertise in long-arm quilting and custom sewing. Shirley was also dedicated to teaching and shared her knowledge as a home economics teacher at Myrtle Point Christian School.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shirley had a zest for life and a love for food. She enjoyed cooking various cuisines from around the world and hosting dinner parties for her close friends and family. Her favorite dishes included New York strip steak, all kinds of salads, chicken wings, and her famous fresh strawberry pie with cream cheese and graham cracker crust. Her dill bread was also cherished by those fortunate enough to sample it.

Shirley found pure joy in spending time with her daughter Susan, discussing their shared passion for sewing and quilting. Whether it was sharing a recipe or simply cherishing each other's company, these moments were truly special to Shirley. Her favorite place in the world was on her deck, overlooking the valley with her family, surrounded by her beloved flowers, especially her wisteria and sweet honeysuckle.

Shirley leaves behind a lasting legacy, cherished by her children: Gary Melvin Vatne, Jeanna Ann Liess, Dannial Paul Vatne, and Susan Christine (Leep) Vaughn. She was preceded in death by her son, Eldred John Leep. Shirley's grandchildren, Anna Jean Vatne, Eldred Jean Leep II, Amanda Rochelle Vatne, Lauren Vera Leep, Sabian Christopher Vaughn, and John Paul Leep, as well as her great-grandchildren, Sophia Louise Morrison and Kingston Colby Mahlberg, were true sources of pride and joy in her life.

Shirley was a graduate of Myrtle Point High School, class of 1960, and her faith played a significant role in her life. In 1974, she and her dear friend Jean found the Lord and made a lifelong commitment to serve Him, attending various churches throughout the years. In recent times, the Myrtle Point Baptist Church became her spiritual home.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husbands, Gary Melvin Vatne (married 1960), Eldred Jean Leep (married 1968), and Donald Erroll Lee (married 2000). She will be greatly missed as a beautiful mother, creative grandmother, and deeply loved great-grandmother.

May Shirley Belle Leep, Lee's soul find eternal peace and may her memories continue to bring comfort to those whose lives she touched.