Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Leonora “Lee” B. Repp, cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on May 20, 1934, in Brush, Colorado, Leonora was the fourth of William and Hazel Thornsby’s six children. She grew up in a loving, close-knit home, enjoying roller skating, singing, and reading — often finding peaceful moments reading in the branches of the tree in the family’s front yard. Lee’s vibrant personality shone through her involvement in theater, choir, and cheerleading during high school.
In her senior year, Lee’s friend Shirley introduced her to Shirley’s brother, Edgar “Ed” Repp, a student at Colorado A&M. Their friendship blossomed into love, and after Lee turned 18 and graduated, the couple married in August 1952. Ed’s Army ROTC commitment soon took them to Germany, where Lee embraced the adventure of living abroad before returning to Colorado and becoming a farmer’s wife.
Lee enjoyed life on the farm and working alongside Ed and his family. After several challenging years farming, Lee and Ed chose a life of service with the Army, which brought them to posts across the United States and Europe. In 1957, while stationed in Texas, they welcomed their first child, Craig, followed by Curtis in Washington (1960), Lorie in Oklahoma (1962), and Beth in New Jersey (1963). Lee managed 12 moves and countless school and church transitions, supporting Ed’s military career while providing stability and love for her family. Even during Ed’s yearlong assignments away from the family in Turkey and Vietnam, Lee’s resilience and leadership was evident, as she continued to create a nurturing home wherever they lived.
Upon Ed’s retirement in 1977, the couple settled in Hermiston, Oregon, where Lee once again became a farmer’s wife. In 1986, they moved to Carlsbad, California, and Lee found immense joy in her new role as grandmother. Ed passed away in 1992. Lee relocated to Hood River, Oregon, in 2000, to be closer to her daughters and became an active member of her church and community, further expanding her circle of love and support.
Lee’s Christian faith guided her throughout life, and she served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and senior outreach minister. Her kindness, warmth, and determination touched all who knew her.
Lee was preceded in death by her husband Ed (1992), daughter Beth (2013), and grandson Kevin (1992). She is survived by her sister Evelyn; her children Craig (Mary), Curtis (June), and Lorie (Joe); son-in-law Roy; grandchildren Tyler (Lindsey), Anna (Sam), Grace, Andrew (Shri), Katie, Emily (Ken), Amy (Brooks), Daniel, Nathaniel, and Logan; and 11 great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering support remains in the hearts of her family and friends.
Lee’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Brookside Manor for the wonderful care and love they provided to our mom and grandmother.
There will be a memorial service to honor Leonora at 11 a.m. on July 18 at Anderson Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. She will be interred with Edgar at Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.
If you wish to give a memorial gift in Lee’s memory, consider one of the following organizations:
• Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Foundation: Lee’s granddaughter Grace has LGS and has had a special place in her heart. Learn more about the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome at www.lgsfoundation.org and make a gift to the LGS Foundation in memory of Lee at secure.everyaction.com/v-BKhcomekOVfxBVti8XNA2.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.
Columbia Gorge News, May 27, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Leonora Repp as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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