Leonide "Lee" Crosby, age 102, of Rolla, ND passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Leonide "Lee" Amelia Crosby was born on December 7, 1923 in Rolette County, ND to Ovide and Amelia (Dease) Cote. She was raised in Rolette and graduated from Rolette High School in 1942.  During World War II, Lee was in the Army Nurse Cadet Corps and graduated from St Andrew's Hospital Training School for Nurses in Bottineau in April 1945.  She was united in marriage to Duane Crosby on September 17, 1948 in Crookston, MN.  Together they had eleven children, Steven, Joseph O., Michael, Carlen, Joseph F., James, Carol, Beverly, Laurel, Brian and Bryce.  Lee worked at the Rolla Hospital as a nurse, retiring in 2004 after 58 years.

Lee enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was the roots for a strong, loving, and large family tree which was the most important part of her life. She diligently remembered countless birthdates and appreciated any correspondence. She liked baking and her kitchen always smelled of fresh bread, buns, and cookies. She was wonderful at quilting, knitting socks for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and she did sewing projects for disabled veterans. She enjoyed traveling and she was fond of telling stories of her experiences. She loved friends and family coming to visit to share memories, laugh with a glass of wine, or play some pinochle or cribbage. She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed.

Lee is survived by her children, Steven (Janice) Crosby of Lakewood, CO, Carlen (Bob) Gaines of Sandy Hook, CT, James (Mary Jo) Crosby of Lakeville, MN, Carol (Bob) Leavy of Clinton, IA, Beverly (Michael) Young of Minnetrista, MN, Laurel (Donald) Langan of St. John, Brian (Laurie) Crosby of Mandan, and Bryce (Lisa) Crosby of Devils Lake; 19 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; sister, Florence (Donald) Helman of Huntsville, AL; and nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, children, Joseph O., Michael and Joseph F., grandchild, Cody Crosby, eight siblings, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Rolla, ND with a Rosary Service at 9:30 AM prior to the funeral mass. Father Thai Arul presiding. There will be a luncheon and gathering of friends and family at the Rolla American Legion post following the service. Burial will take place at St. Edward's Catholic Cemetery, Thorne, ND following fellowship at the Legion cabin. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.