Leota Mae Wells, 83, passed away at Billings Clinic on January 16, 2023, surrounded by her family. Lee was born on December 11, 1939 in Corvallis, Oregon, the second and only daughter of three children born to Curtis Benjamin and Francis Irene (Wrobliski) Brown. She grew up in Oregon, graduating from Eugene in 1957, marrying Charles Thomas Wells on July 26, 1958, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The couple lived in various cities in California and Montana. They moved every few years because of Charlie's service in the National Guard. Six beautiful children joined this union, Thomas, Kimberly, Mary, Suzanne, Debbie and James. They came to Worland, Wyoming in 1992 and put down roots for their forever home.

Lee was a one-woman welcoming committee! She could brighten a room with her smile the moment she walked in. She never met a stranger, just another person to become a friend to. She loved everyone, and she showed her love for God by serving anyone He placed in her path. Sometimes that service was a plate of cookies, a kind word, or an entire afternoon of visiting. Lee was an active member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church where she served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and would help wherever she was needed. Her light will continue to shine through each of her daughters and grandchildren.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons, Thomas Michael Wells and James Arthur Wells, brothers, Royal and Dennis Brown, grandson, Derrick Lorenzo Costalez and great-granddaughter, Rosie Mae Dworshak.

Survivors include her daughters: Kim (Bruce) Dworshak of Worland; Mary (Duane) Branger of Billings, Montana; Suzanne (James) Costalez of Dickinson, North Dakota and Debbie (Brian) Schweigert of Big Timber, Montana; 7 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mass of the Christian Burial was held Monday, January 23, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church with Father Robert Rodgers as celebrant. Inurnment followed at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A Prayer Vigil was held Sunday evening at the church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church or to New Hope Humane Society and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryant

funeralhomeonline.com.