Kelsey Lee

Kelsey (Vrooman) Lee, 43, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center, Hiram, GA.

Funeral services will be 10:22 a.m. MDT, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the United Church of Christ, Eagle Butte, with Shawn Olsen officiating. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Episcopal Cemetery, On The Tree. A wake service will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, at the church with visitation one-hour prior.

Kelsey was born on June 13, 1983, in Pierre, South Dakota, to Marsha and Tom Vrooman. She grew up in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, where she lived on the family ranch until graduating from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School in 2001.

After graduation, Kelsey moved to Spearfish, South Dakota and later Rapid City, South Dakota, where she lived until 2015. That year, she was reunited with her future husband, Terry Lee. In 2016, Kelsey moved to Mission, Kansas, and in 2018, she and her family made their home in Powder Springs, Georgia, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Throughout her life, Kelsey was known for her infectious laugh, bubbly personality, warm heart, determined spirit, and remarkable inner strength. She was strong-willed—some might say stubborn—and she never backed down from a challenge. Her carefree spirit naturally made people feel welcome, heard, and included, which meant she never met a stranger.

Kelsey accomplished many things throughout her life, both big and small, and never shied away from competition. Her competitive spirit shined through in several pageants, as well as being named Cheyenne-Eagle Butte (CEB) Prom Princess, CEB Prom Queen, and CEB Homecoming Queen. On the basketball court, Kelsey was known as a three-point specialist and defensive standout, bringing determination and passion to every game. This on court tenacity helped secure her place as a Lakota Nation Invitational Free Throw Champion, and later, lead her team to a sixth-place finish at the 2000 State A Basketball Tournament.

That same competitive spirit carried over to bowling and softball. Kelsey was a State Bowling League MVP on a team consisting of her Grandmother Karen, Mom Marsha, Sister Misty, and herself. She was a staple in the softball world, and part of a South Dakota Co-Ed Softball State Championship team, contributing the game-winning hit. Her talents even extended to the big screen, where Kelsey was cast as a Native American Princess in an unreleased movie – as the story goes.

Music and singing held a special place in her heart. With her eclectic taste in music, performing at pageants, gathering with family and friends, or simply whenever the moment felt right, Kelsey loved to sing and living life to the fullest.

Cooking was another expression of her love, especially during the holidays when she could gather everyone together and prepare elaborate five-course meals complete with all the trimmings. Now, if you knew her from her earlier days, this seems far-fetched; however, wanting to make a house a home, she took pride in feeding family and friends.

A lifelong football fan, Kelsey’s passion for the sport began with her very first NFL game in Denver, an experience that turned her into an avid Broncos fan.

Her desire to achieve a post-secondary education was second to none, and in December 2021, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of West Georgia, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Psychology.

Kelsey loved staying active and trying new things. She enjoyed exercising, self-defense, running, swimming, bowling, darts, basketball shooting games, the beach, water parks, as well as camping, and boating with the entire family.

Later in life, she overcame her fear of flying, and enjoyed the moments planning flights to Florida, Texas, California, D.C., New York and South Dakota, adding yet another twist to a life that was never short on them.

She had an especially tender place in her heart for children and was drawn to their energy, innocence, and joy. This comes as no surprise, growing up, she would tend to her numerous dolls and care for them as you would a child. However, her greatest joy came from her children. Kelsey lived vicariously through them and poured her heart into giving them opportunities to experience ballet, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, track, family outings/vacations.

Kelsey was a loving mother, grandmother, and devoted wife. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did and was demonstrated by her tremendous internal and external strength.

Those who knew Kelsey will remember her for her infectious laugh, warm heart, Dory-like memory, clumsy-yet-graceful mishaps, competitive spirit, stubborn determination, ability to organize the “fun train,” and her willingness to listen when someone needed that sympathetic ear. She was someone who showed up, cared deeply, and made memories wherever she went. Through her accomplishments, passions, humor, and deep love for family/friends, Kelsey left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Kelsey is survived by her husband, Terry Lee; her children, Luke Lee, Terry Lee II, Tiana Lee, Satara Hertel, and Justice Hertel; her granddaughter, Arie Lee; her parents, Tom and Marsha Vrooman; her siblings, Cory Vrooman, Misty Vrooman (Sharls), and Tommy Vrooman (Erica); her grandmother, Karen Vrooman; her parents-in-law, Brenda and Michael Claymore and Gail and Nimr Hassan; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, LeRoy Vrooman, Henry “Bud” Ducheneaux, and Rita “Pauline” Ducheneaux; uncle Wade Ducheneaux; her great-grandparents, John and Marjorie Boehrs; and her brother, Blue Annis.

Kelsey leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, competitive spirit, adventures, and love. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The memory of Kelsey’s laugh, strength, stubborn spirit, and enormous heart will live on in moments remembered, stories shared, and lives touched by our earth angel.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Kelsey’s arrangements.