Lena Mae Wright

DARBY – Lena Mae Wright, 90, of Darby passed away Thursday, February 4, 2016 at her home.  She was born Lena Mae Ikenberry on November 30, 1925 in Miami, New Mexico, daughter of Lester and Edna Ikenberry.  Lena was baptized there at the Church of the Brethren at the age of 11.  She always loved the Lord.

            Lena was raised and educated in Miami until the age of 16 when she moved to Pasadena, CA where she finished high school.  After high school she went to Laverne College for 1 year, then entered nurses training at Los Angeles County Hospital in 1945.  Lena graduated in 1948 and worked as a Registered Nurse for 38 years.  While in nurses training she married Michael Dembisky in 1946.  To this union was born 3 children; Marianne, Michael Maurice and Charles Lester.  Her husband passed away in 1976 from complications of Diabetes.  Lena married Charles Wright in 1981 and moved to Darby, MT in 1983 to become part of Darby Distribution.  Lena and Charlie loved square dancing and round dancing.  They traveled extensively in their RV.

            Lena was obsessed with staying busy and productive!  Her motto in life was, “You can sleep when you’re dead!”  She was an avid golfer, clogger, piano player and especially enjoyed crafts of all kinds; like sewing, quilting, knitting, jewelry making and pine needle baskets.  Lena always had projects to do, especially when her sister visited.  She was interested in staying as healthy and fit as possible by exercising, swimming, running and downhill skiing.  Lena even ran a marathon in San Francisco in 1982 at the age of 57!

            Lena loved and supported her family and friends throughout her long life with her sense of humor, encouragement, positive attitude and unconditional love.  We all have many great stories and cherished memories of her.

            Lena was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, 3 brothers and 2 husbands.  She is survived by her children, Marianne Cox, Michael (Rhonda) Dembisky and Charles (Vicki) Dembisky; step-daughters, Sandra (Dale) Ploung and Kathy (Steve) Willey; 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

            Services will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Daly-Leach Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in Lena’s name to the American Cancer Society.