It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Bunte Gayle Lee, at the age of 65. She passed peacefully at her home in El Maton with her family by her side on May 25, 2018.  She fought a lengthy battle with lung cancer.   She was born July 5, 1952 in Bay City, TX to the late Lee Rutherford and Clara Faye Garrett Rutherford.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her aunt Wanda Green and uncle Butch Rutherford.

Bunte is survived by her husband of 49 years, Vance Lee, Sr. of El Maton; daughter Tammy Black & husband Ken of Bay City; son Vance Lee, Jr. & wife Kristi of El Maton; sisters Brenda Vargas & husband Alfred of Richmond and Cindi Eaton & husband Roger of Sweeny; brother Tracy Rutherford & wife Dottie of Sweeny. "Nana" was dearly loved by her grandchildren Danielle Estes Quinney & husband Kyle; Paislei Lee, Vivian Lee, Peyton Black, Presley Black and Lucille Frick; great grandchildren Stella Storts, Oliver Quinney and Ty Quinney. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Tara Fonseca.

For over twenty years Bunte worked in the food service, she started with Bay City ISD and finished her work at Tidehaven ISD. She was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she enjoyed being a part of the ladies group, Women of Faith. The last several years she participated at Relay for Life as a team member of Calvary for a Cure. After being diagnosed with cancer herself, she still joined the team to put in her laps to help find a cure. Nothing made her happier than cooking "family dinner" when all the kids, grandkids and great grandkids would pack in for some of her fried chicken or meatloaf.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Lane Pardue officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin Schroeter, Dan Rutherford, Dustin Rutherford, David Rutherford, Reagan Carroll and Ronnie Carroll.   Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Estes III, Kyle Quinney, Oliver Quinney, Ty Quinney, Mike Jenkins and Steven Schroeter II.