The family of Lee Ockey announces the passing of their wife, mother, and the matriarch of the Price Ockey families, after a long illness.
Lee was born in Oakdale, California on August 14, 1943 to Leonard and Blanche Price. She joined four brothers on a small farm. She lived an idyllic life in the country for many years and greeted one more brother to make complete the family of eight. As the only girl with five brothers, she learned to make an independent life. She graduated from Milnes and Oakdale high schools.
Lee married Kenneth Ockey and from their union there were three boys: Kenneth Troy, Daryn Anthony and Ryan Wallace. She absolutely loved her boys and would do anything for them.
Being an independent woman, Lee attended beauty school and soon opened her own shop near the corner of Orangeburg and Coffee Road. Ever industrious, she along with her son, Troy were able to import a skincare line from Switzerland to the western world. Gerda Spillman skincare was introduced into the United States, Canada, England, and even Russia. Lee traveled all over the world conducting classes to thousands on the benefits of the Gerda Spillman products to professionals. Lee and Troy were a team and were well known throughout the industry, even introducing their products to makeup artists from Hollywood to the White House.
After working in the skin and hair care line for over 25 years, she took up real estate and became a commercial realtor for PMZ and Weeks Real Estate. Lee’s vibrant personality, her warm and caring heart endeared her to thousands.
Faith was a strong factor in her life and that faith guided her and her sons throughout their lives.
After a long courtship, Lee married David Hanneke. Lee and Dave loved to travel. They toured Europe, Central and South America extensively.
Lee spent her idle hours volunteering for Advancing Vibrant Communities (AVC), and the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. She supported and raised money for the Stanislaus County Library with various fashion shows and other events.
Lee never slowed down and was like a whirring dervish wherever she went. Lee loved to read, swim, water ski, play tennis, collect and sell jewelry, argue politics and bike ride. She was an avid boat owner and spent many hours on the Delta. She watched Jeopardy every night, and loved the ocean, especially Hawaii, La Jolla and Pacific Grove.
Lee leaves behind to continue her legacy: sons Troy, Daryn, and Ryan, husband Dave. Grandchildren Colton, Sienna, Sheridan, Shay, Taylor and Christian. Also, her brothers Forrest (Prudence), Charles, Douglas, Dale. She also leaves behind ten nieces and nephews and all of their children. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Daryl, sisters in law Irene, Pat, Margaret, Patricia and Tracy and niece, Shawna.
There is a hole in all our hearts for this vibrant, loving woman. She was a force to be reckoned with and feared nothing.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 10055 Valley Home Road, Oakdale, CA.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Sept. 16, 2026
