It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lela Solomon, born October 31, 1938, in Marble Hill, Missouri. Known to nearly everyone as Lee, she passed away peacefully at the age of 87 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis surrounded by loved ones.

Before dedicating herself to family life, Lee worked as a receptionist and switchboard operator at Laclede Steel — a fitting start for a woman who spent the rest of her life connecting people. She stepped away from that role to raise her children and brought the same energy to motherhood that she brought to everything else, including showing up — enthusiastically, repeatedly, and occasionally to her children's mild embarrassment — as a volunteer at their schools, from elementary to high school. In later years she channeled that generous spirit into the Pediatric Care Center at Anderson Hospital in Edwardsville, where she served as a Pink Lady right up until the end of her life.

Lee loved animals deeply, especially miniature dachshunds, rarely going without one by her side. She was many things to many people — a devoted wife, a constant  mother, a cherished friend — but above all, she was unapologetically and unforgettably herself. She was never one to hold back what she thought, and the people who knew her wouldn't have had it any other way. She had a soft spot for anyone who needed a helping hand, a laugh, or just someone to listen. The home she created was a place of open doors, bawdy stories, and genuine warmth — the kind of place people gathered and always felt welcome.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Russell Solomon III; her brother Terry Abernathy and wife Norma; her daughter Suzanne Coleson and son-in-law Kevin; her son Christopher Solomon and partner Margaret Greco; her other son Michael Martin  and husband Brent Horner; her granddaughter Ashleigh Manley and husband Brendan; her niece Terri Abernathy and husband Gregg Wormuth, and niece Tina Osborn and husband Mike. Her family will forever carry forward her stories, her laughter, and her legacy of kindness.

A celebration of Lee's life will be held at a later date, where friends and family will be invited to share memories. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Glen Carbon Library or the Metro East Humane Society, in honor of her insatiable appetite for reading and her lifelong love of animals — especially the little long ones.

The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, Illinois 62034.