Lois Lanell Lee, 89, of Moore, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Lanell was born to Theodore (T.E.) and Letha Loveless on September 3, 1936 in Byars, Oklahoma. She was the fourth of five children and attended school at both Byars and Wanette.

Lanell married James Lee on July 11, 1953, in Poteau, Oklahoma. Lanell and James had three sons, Keith, Kevin, and Jack. Lanell was a great “boy mom”, enthusiastically attending all of the boys’ ball games and nearly always having a group of boys somewhere around the house or in the backyard. Their home always felt welcoming, and not just because Lanell baked a mean chocolate chip cookie. As the boys got older and their “toys” were parked in the driveway, she seldom seemed fazed when she discovered the dining room table covered with newspaper to protect it from a car part one of the boys brought inside.

Lanell and James were married for 49 years and were able to enjoy many years of retirement together. They particularly enjoyed road trips to Eureka Springs and Branson, with as many friends and family as they could persuade to come along with them. After James’ passing in 2003, Lanell married JR Schwartz. She and J.R. could often be found enjoying OU softball, fully decked out in crimson and cream.

Music was one of the joys of Lanell’s life. She learned piano at a young age and often played at the church her father pastored. For many decades, she played piano and organ at Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church. Her skill at transposing music allowed her to accompany any singer even without practice time, her ability to play any piece of music by ear never failed, and her improvised introductions to every hymn always added just the right note to a church service.

When she wasn’t seated on a piano or organ bench, Lanell could often be found working behind the scenes at Friendship Church, where she and James were founding members. Over the years, Lanell taught Sunday School and was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary. You could find her in the kitchen any time a dinner was served, washing dishes, plating desserts, and generally getting things done. 

Lanell lived a life of service, generosity, and kindness. 

She leaves behind son Keith and wife Gemma Lee, grandchildren Candace, Kelsey, Keifer, and Teryn, six great-grandchildren, brother Leroy and wife Janet Loveless, sister Marquita Capps, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Letha Loveless, husband James Lee, husband JR Schwartz, sons Kevin and Jack Lee, and brothers Jeral and Monty Loveless.