Lillian Ruth Oakley Dees, age 101, of Calvert City, KY, died on September 21, 2025 at Calvert City Nursing and Rehab in Calvert City, Kentucky. She lived her entire life in Marshall County where she had many family members and good friends.
Lillian’s numerous interests included gardening, canning & freezing, reading, crossword puzzles, crocheting, quilting, playing Rook, camping, and traveling with family members. She traveled to all 50 states, plus Canada and Mexico.
Lillian was a member of Calvert City First Baptist Church for 88 years. She is best remembered for teaching the 5 year old Sunday School class. She and her late husband Fred were very active in the ABC Senior Group – attending many potluck meals, participating in Rook Tournaments, and traveling around the nation on the church bus.
She is survived by her four children: Jan Dees Wade of Lexington, KY; Gary Dees of Lexington, KY; Mary Dees Sawchuck (husband Bill) of Alexandria, VA; and Marty Dees Bernal of Gilbertsville, KY. She is survived by two granddaughters: Ashley Dees Rhodes (husband David) of Lexington, KY and Jennifer Leigh Wade of Lexington, KY. She is also survived by three great grandchildren: Kendrick Rhodes, twins Morgan and Willow Rhodes, of Lexington, KY.
Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Fred Thomas Dees, Jr. They were married soon after World War II ended. She was also preceded in death by her parents Odie Craygon Oakley and Mary Birdsong Oakley, her brother Jewell Oakley, and her sister Hazel Oakley Huitt.
There will be no funeral service. Lillian will be buried at Dees Cemetery in Calvert City, KY during a private family ceremony.
Collier Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling all arrangements.