Minnie Lee Korpi

Lee Korpi, born November 26, 1925, to Benjamin Franklin and Myrtle Orsbern White, in Lindsay, Oklahoma, died March 21, 2010 at Richland Rehabilitation Center in Richland, WA.

Lee married Waino "Wayne" Korpi at Lead, South Dakota, on January 30, 1946. They moved to Richland in 1951, where he worked at Hanford for 31 years. Lee was a homemaker all her life and took great joy in caring for her home and family. They were members of Richland Lutheran Church from the time of their arrival in Richland, and they were models of the faithful Christian life for their family. Wayne died on April 4, 1995.

Lee is survived by her three children: Carol and Dennis Larsen, and their children, Matthew and his wife Kelly, Thomas, David, and Emily, of Richland, WA; David and Laurie Korpi , and their children, Anna and Aaron Cyboron of China, Alissa and Nathan Pitroff, and John Korpi, of Edmonds, WA.; and Linda Korpi of Richland, WA. Lee had six great-grandchildren: Abigail, Caleb, and Elizabeth Cyboron; and Tiranna, Gabrielle, and Cambria Pitroff. Two very special friends of Lee's were Loni Baker and Pat Frick.

Her family will always remember Lee as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a tireless worker, and her loving gentleness, strong spirit, gracious hospitality, and sweet selflessness graced us all. She was truly a "woman above price."

A private graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception to remember Lee's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Sunset Event Center, 915 The Bypass in Richland. Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions in Lee's name be made to the Good News Media Ministry, Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen St., Richland, WA 99354.