Log in

Submit a memorial

Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily Independent and on YourValley.net. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.


Eleanor Lee (Priest) Daugherty

Posted
Eleanor, age 89 passed away June 4, 2020 in her Sun City West Arizona home. Lee grew up in Troy Ohio and was a gifted percussionist in her high school orchestra. Her true love however, was leading the marching band while directing and twirling a heavy Ludwig baton. Lee was the first female Collegiate Drum Major in the United States. She led the Miami University Ohio Marching Band from 1948 to 1952, during which time she won the National Collegiate Twirling Championship and paved the way for future female drum majors. A member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, she went on to receive her BFA from Miami in 1952. After college Lee moved to Findlay Ohio with her husband ‘Dick’ Daugherty where she worked as a graphic designer for the Findlay Printing & Supply Company and served as President of the Federation of Women’s Clubs. During this time, Lee received a Red Cross National Humanitarian Award. Her next achievement was to obtain her Ohio real estate license and started selling homes in Findlay with Bishop-Kandel Realty. In 1982, Lee moved to Sun City West Arizona selling homes for Del Webb. Lee was a gifted Realtor and many of Lee’s clients came to call her friend. Following her time with Del Web, she owned a Beauty Salon where she continued sharing her skills with the community. Lee was President of the Sun City West Business & Professional Association and a proud member of the Sun City West Rhythm Tappers, Drill Team, Jazzy Poms and Theatre West. Hosting themed parties and decorating for holidays gave her joy. Lee loved her life in Sun City West and she enjoyed the company of her friends and neighbors. Lee is preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Oleta Priest, husbands Richard (Dick) Daugherty, George Bledsoe and her high school sweetheart Claude Shaneyfelt. She is survived by her son Glen (Rick) Daugherty and his wife Linda Daugherty; daughter Linda Saunders and her husband Jim Saunders, grandchildren; Todd Daugherty, Scott Daugherty, Tricia Saunders, Beck Dickerson, (Preston Dickerson), Chris Polton, (Holly Polton), great grandchildren; Olivia Dickerson, Harlow Polton, Dax Polton, step children; Sheri Shaneyfelt, Karen Hop, Kathy Bledsoe, Donald Bledsoe and step grandchildren; Valentina Rojas Shaneyfelt and Alejandro Rojas Shaneyfelt. A memorial service will be held at a future date at Briarwood Country Club when family members and others are able to travel and attend safely. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Friendship Fund at www.PiBetaPhi.org.