Gary James Lee, 76, lifelong farmer, public servant, and resident of Marysville, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, November 26, 2023, at Memorial Hospital of Union County.
Gary was born January 7, 1947, in Columbus to the late Leo Lutrelle and Kathryn E. “Kay” (Rupprecht) Lee. A 1965 graduate of Marysville High School, he was a proud recipient of the American FFA Degree. He furthered his education at The Ohio State University, earning his B.S. in Agricultural Economics in 1969, and was a member of the Ohio National Guard during this time. A year later, he married the love of his life, the former Marcia E. Rausch, on February 14, 1970, and they shared 53 dedicated and loving years together as parents, grandparents, and partners in the Union County community.
Throughout his life, Gary was community focused, and he gave his time generously to numerous local, state, and national organizations and causes. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Marysville Fire Department for over a decade and he was a founding member of the Union County Foundation. A passionate Union County Republican, he was a long-standing county chair of the Republican Central Committee and served approximately 14 years on the Union County Board of Elections. He proudly served as Union County Commissioner for 16 years, was past president of the County Commissioner Association of Ohio and a member of the National Association of County Commissioners. Gary was an avid sports fan, especially the Buckeyes, and his love of basketball led to him being a high school basketball referee throughout Ohio for many years. A man of faith, he and Marcia attended St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Gary was a determined, gregarious man, who always thought about the “big picture,” and he always did the right thing for the betterment of the county, even if it came at personal cost. While his life was dedicated to farming and the well-being of Union County, his first love was his family. His wife, sons, and especially his granddaughters, were the absolute lights of his life. He was a proud and faithful supporter of Lady Monarchs basketball and soccer, as well as the Marysville FFA. Nothing meant more to him than loving and supporting his granddaughters as they grew.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marcia; their sons Ryan (Kristin) Lee and Greg (Christi) Lee, both of Marysville; beloved granddaughters Jenna (Jared) Elleman, Alli Lee, Cori (Luke Haerr) Lee, McKinzi (Ryan) Peck, Sydney Lee, Kassidy Lee, Camri Lee & Gabrey Lee; the fiercely loyal Reiff clan who was more than just family to him; and numerous lifelong friends.
Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon.
Calling hours will be 3-8 pm Friday, December 1, 2023, at the Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville, where the Marysville Elks Lodge #1130 will hold services at 8 pm. Funeral services to celebrate Gary’s life will be held 1 pm Saturday, December 2, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 12809 OH-736, Marysville, with Rev. Jack Heino officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. Friends may also call one hour prior to service time, beginning at 12 noon at the church.
In Gary’s memory, contributions may be made to the Union County Foundation, or St. John’s Growing Roots campaign in care of the funeral home. Contribution cards will be available at both the funeral home and church services.
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Gary’s family, and condolences may be expressed to them at www.IngramFuneralService.com.