Patsy Patton Lee

Patsy Patton Lee, 91, of Cave-in-Rock, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2022 at the Rosiclare
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Patsy was born in Cave-in-Rock on June 11, 1931 to Lambert and
Izora (Banks) Patton. As a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Cave-in-Rock, she served as
the pianist and secretary for many years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She grew up in Cave-in-Rock and, after graduation from high school, attended Southern Illinois
University where she obtained her teaching certificate. She went on to teach music and band to grade
and high school students and, as many may recall, she formed the gospel music quartet “The Rhythm
Rockers.” While teaching, she met Lyle Leroy Lee, a high school basketball referee and well-known
water skier in Southern Illinois. They married in January, 1954 and made their home in Galatia, Illinois.
Later, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and opened “Lyle Lee's Ski School” where their motto
was “Learn to Ski with Lyle Lee.” Patsy later began her second career as a bookkeeper for Pier 66 Hotel
and Resort in Fort Lauderdale.

In 1986, after retiring from Pier 66, Patsy moved back to the hometown that she loved so dearly. She is
fondly remembered by many young people for the elaborate holiday decorations on her house, especially
on Halloween and Christmas. She also served as pianist for many local weddings, funerals and
community events.
She is survived by a son, Lyle Patton “General” (Lori) Lee of Pace, FL; brothers Buddy Warren Patton,

Thomas R. (Daphene) Patton, and Terry Patton; sisters Nancy (Tom) Wrosch, and Vicky (David) Patton-
Evans; two grandchildren, Casey Patton Lee and Justin Melvin Lee; and three nieces, Stephanie Wrosch,

Shelby Willborn, and Paige Robinette; and one nephew, Jeffrey Warren Patton. She was preceeded in
death by her parents, Lambert and Izora Patton as well as a favorite uncle, Roy E. Glore, who was raised
from infancy by her parents.

Services are scheduled for 1 PM Saturday November 12, 2022 at Cave-In-Rock First Baptist Church with
interment in Cave Hill Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 11 AM until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cave Hill Cemetery Fund or the First Baptist Church of Cave-In-Rock, Illinois.