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Marie Isabell (Lee) Dillard was born on her grandpa Brown’s farm west of Aline on October 4, 1943 and gained her angel wings on October 3, 2023.
Marie was the second born child to Alvin Pearl (Bud) Lee and Norma Fae Lee (Brown). Growing up Marie and her sister Reba traveled, helping her parents who farmed and owned a custom harvesting business. Reba and Marie spent many hours helping their mother prepare and deliver meals to the fields so hired hands could eat. The sisters learned many things from their mom growing up, including how to sew. Marie continued to sew and enjoy it throughout her life. She made quilts and clothing for her grandchildren and enjoyed painting as well. She always had extra paint on hand for the grandkids to create their own masterpiece when they came to visit.
Marie attended Aline Public Schools and graduated in 1961. She was active
in tennis, basketball as well as class plays. She continued to serve the
school as her children were growing up being involved in the FFA mothers
club and served as class parent for both of her children.
Marie married
the love of her life, Ted Dillard, on February 3, 1962 and was blessed with
two children Jeffrey Michael and Jill Marie. During the early years of her
marriage, Marie graduated from Enid Beauty College and became an instructor
at the college. She and her father-in-law, Raymond, would carpool together
to Enid to work while Ted was away playing baseball. When the opportunity
presented Marie would travel to and from different states with her kids to
watch Ted play ball over the years. When Ted and Marie moved to Cleo
Springs, Marie opened her own beauty shop in their home and managed it for
years. The kids always enjoyed Marie’s haircuts and perms. During her later
years she worked for Dr. Frank Crow, Tincy’s, Farmers and Merchants and the
Chamber of Commerce, all jobs she loved.
Marie attended the Aline United Methodist Church where she shared her love for Christ in the presence of those she loved. She became a resident of Fairview Fellowship Home in December of 2019, and when she was no longer able to travel to Aline to church, she still enjoyed fellowship with Edith and Lydia every Sunday at the fellowship home.
Marie was an avid fan and supporter of her children as well as her grandchildren. She and Ted rarely ever missed a game that the grandkids were playing no matter the distance. When she could no longer travel with Ted to the games, they made sure she had a radio to tune into and listen from home.
Many meals were shared around Ted and Marie’s dinner table and she always set out an extra plate or even two for the many friends that her grandchildren would bring over for Sunday meals and even Holidays. These young men and women loved her just like their own grandma and they were loved dearly by her. Her home was always open to many.
As Marie’s Parkinson’s Disease progressed it became evident that it robbed the one thing that she loved so much, food. However, no matter how bad she felt or how difficult the task, she was always up for some Sonic Cinna-Snacks. These became one of her favorites Ted would bring to her and she never turned them down. It was easy to say Marie had the biggest, sweet tooth and was always ready to eat dessert at any get together. She loved her watermelon and would ask repetitively for it even when it was out of season. Marie would always have a recipe that she had taken out of a magazine that she would always want to try. It was rare for her to not say, “we need to try this”. Over the past few years, Jill attained a collection of torn out recipes from magazines that her mom would send home for her to make.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Norma Lee as well as her son, Jeffrey Michael Dillard. She is survived by her husband Ted Dillard of the home, daughter and husband Jack and Jill Seelke, sister Reba and husband Marvin. She is further survived by seven grandchildren: Tanner Dillard, Jaden Dillard and wife Morgan, Kade Dillard, Nicki Dempsey and husband Bo, Suni Genn and husband Jordan, Mason Seelke and Karlee Seelke along with five great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2023
at the Aline United Methodist Church with Pastor Carmen Stafford
officiating. The family request memorials to be made to the Fairview
Fellowship home staff with Pierce Funeral Home as custodian. The staff
displayed so much compassion, love and friendship for Marie over the past 3
years. It was obvious the impact she had on people by the outpouring of love
people brought to her room giving her a kiss and hug in her final days.
Condolences may be offered online at
www.piercefuneralhomes.com.
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