Lee C. Pulsipher

Lee C. Pulsipher age 95, passed away March 27, 2025 in St. George, Utah. Although a Southern California native and longtime resident, he had been in the care of his oldest son and the loving hands of the staff at Spring Gardens Senior Living, St. George since March 2024. Lee was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away on May 11, 2023 in Ventura, California.

Lee is survived by his five children, Jim Pulsipher (Sue) Washington, UT, Mike Pulsipher (Peggy) Simi Valley, CA, Lori Russell (Tucker) Lancaster, CA, Caryn Maynes (Scott) Studio City, CA, and John Pulsipher (Jennifer) West Richland, WA. He is also survived by his 20 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren. His first 2nd great-grandchild is due to be born later this year.

Lee was born on November 29, 1929 in Glendale, California to Charles Clyde Pulsipher and Melba Eilleen Ottley Pulsipher. He was the oldest of ten children which included a set of twins and triplets. Lee was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which he attended from the time he was four years old. He met his beautiful sweetheart Ruth Howard at a church meeting in 1947 just a week before his 18th birthday and a month before her 17th birthday. Their love was meant to be and they had a long courtship. They were married in Biloxi, Mississippi on August 23, 1950 while Lee was stationed in Pensacola, Florida as a Marine. Two months later they were sealed as husband and wife for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on October 18, 1950.

Lee was a good student and was accepted into the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program during his senior year of high school. He then attended the University of Southern California (USC) beginning as a 17 year old freshman. His father was an avid USC sports fan and Lee had attended many football games there throughout his childhood, also becoming an avid USC fan. He completed three semesters and a summer term at USC and then was ordered to active duty at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida in February 1949. He completed Flight Training there and received a commission of 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in August 1950. He was a fighter jet pilot for the Marine Corps and completed additional flight training in North Carolina and Florida. His tours of duty included a Mediterranean cruise and combat flights in the Korean War. He survived the loss of his plane during a bombing run to Pyongyang and received the Purple Heart Medal. Lee completed his active duty as a Captain stationed in Kingsville, Texas as a Flight Instructor.

After completing active military duty, Lee attended San Diego State College earning his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1956. Over his long professional work career Lee was an engineer, electronic sales engineer, real estate broker, home builder, and land investor. He never retired, but continued working from his home office until moving to St. George, Utah in 2024. With the exception of a few years, Lee and Ruth raised their family in Southern California mainly in San Gabriel and Granada Hills. They were active in the communities where they resided and always active in the church. They lived in Granada Hills the longest, almost 32 years and the family had many meaningful experiences there.

Lee and Ruth loved the beach and were able to purchase a home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Ventura, California in 1990. This was a second home until they permanently moved there in 1999. Lee continued managing their real estate holdings and serving in their local ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called at age 70 as the bishop of the ward and lovingly served for about seven years. He and Ruth developed wonderful friendships among the members there. They remodeled and expanded their home and loved living by the sea for over 20 years.

After Ruth’s passing, Lee lived alone and it became apparent he needed to live closer to at least one of his children for nearby support and care. In March 2024, he reluctantly left his beloved home by the sea and moved to St. George, Utah where his son Jim and his wife Sue were close at hand and able to help in his care. He enjoyed his final year of life living at Spring Gardens. His health declined over the last few months until he peacefully passed away. His family is very grateful for the loving care given him by the staff at Spring Gardens and Dixie Home Rehab and Hospice. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Ruth at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Lee, our beloved dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, lived as an example to all of us in love, steadiness, hard work, and unwavering faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We love you and miss you, but we celebrate your reunion with your eternal sweetheart, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Give her a hug for all of us.

A graveside service with military honors for Lee C. Pulsipher will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Glendale, California, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. Glendale, CA 91205

Following the graveside service, a gathering of family and friends for lunch and sharing of memories of Lee will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 136 North Sunset Canyon Drive Burbank, CA 91501