Obituary

Lee Kinney Ezell peacefully departed for her heavenly home on March 22, 2020 after complications from heart surgery. The daughter of Charles E. (Shields) Kinney and Gertrude (Unruh) Kinney was born November 11, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are thankful God shared her with us for 75 years.

Growing up in a musical family, Lee learned to play the piano and violin and as a teen she frequented the set of American Bandstand. After the family’s move to California she attended Biola University and performed in a number of musicals in Anaheim. She also worked as a secretary for evangelist Bob Mumford, who introduced her to her future husband.

In 1973 Lee would marry Harold “Hal” Ezell, the father of two daughters. Their lives really got exciting when Hal was appointed by President Reagan to be Western Regional Commissioner of what was then Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS).

If you spent time with Lee, it was memorable. It’s not every day you meet a woman with a supply of telescopic forks in her purse who was always eager to show you her “Pride and Joy” or “three carrot ring”. Humor was a big part of Lee’s life and she loved to inspire people to laugh as they faced the challenges of life.

She will be remembered as an accomplished author of eight books and inspirational speaker who’s life and faith encouraged us to “Find Hope When Life’s Not Fair.” We cherish the memories she shared with us as family, friend, teacher, confidant, and companion for mischief.

Lee’s husband Harold W. Ezell and sisters: Zoe Delaney and Ann Hansel, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sisters: Kay Lindsey, Sue Van Theemsche; daughter: Julie (Robert) Makimaa; stepdaughters: Pamela (Jim) Lichacz and Sandra (Richard) Bushnell; six grandchildren, one great-grandson and beloved nephews and nieces.

Lee’s resting place will be alongside her husband Hal at Christ Cathedral Memorial Gardens in Garden Grove, CA. Services have been postponed due to current restrictions. The guestbook at O’Connor Mortuary, (www.oconnormortuary.com) is available for posting notes to family members.

Our family would like to thank Lee’s adopted families and friends who cared for her as she lived as a single widow. We are especially indebted to the Harvey, Schlom and Danchik families, for their “servant’s heart” and supporting Lee no matter what her need.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tender Mercies International (www.tendermercies-international.org) a ministry Lee personally supported for a many years, providing a quality education and teaching practical life skills to orphans in Uganda.