Lee Arlen Builta

Lee Arlen Builta

October 4, 1935 – March 23, 2025

It is with immense sadness that the family of Lee A. Builta announces his passing on March 23, 2025. Lee left this world peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Lee, once named a Los Alamos Living Treasure, was a beloved figure in the Los Alamos and White Rock communities. He was renowned for his exquisite rose gardens. For many years, he dedicated his time to maintaining the gardens at Fuller Lodge, the LDS Church in White Rock, the Los Alamos Memorial Rose Garden, and the Los Alamos Demonstration Garden, among others. His late mother and first wife, Janis Stephens (Builta), both cherished roses. Those strolling by his former home on Grand Canyon Drive often paused to take in the beauty of his more than 150 rose bushes.

Lee's love for gardening began early in life on his family's farm in southern central Kansas. Lee was one of eleven children and had a deep affection for his siblings. In Kansas, his family cultivated wheat and raised dairy cattle, relying on traditional hard work and the aid of workhorses, as they lived without electricity until they moved to Missouri several years later. Once in Missouri, at the age of twelve, Lee took on the responsibility of helping his mother with the vegetable gardens and the expansive two-acre strawberry patches.

Lee graduated from school in Missouri in 1953. Soon after, he traveled to Oregon to join his brother, Abe Builta, in the lumber industry. Lee often reminisced about those times, expressing how cherished the memories were and the enjoyment he experienced.

In 1955, Lee joined the US Navy and served for four years. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for electrical work, eventually leading to a career as an Electrical Technician—a path he followed faithfully, alongside his love for roses. Shortly after enlisting, he met and fell in love with Janis Stephens, and they married in 1960, which marked the end of his Navy service. With both of them juggling two jobs, Lee was able to earn his associate's degree in electronics technology.

In 1964 Lee came to Los Alamos following a job offer from the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Lee enjoyed his many years with the lab and retired in 1983. Like most retirees, Lee continued to work after retirement as a consultant/contract employee until 1988. In 1994 he became a Master Gardener through Los Alamos County and later, along with three other Master Gardeners, founded the Los Alamos Master Gardener’s Club.

Lee and Janis raised two wonderful children, Kerry A. Builta and Charles L. Builta, in their White Rock home, where they nurtured several rose bushes and some vegetable gardens. Lee took great pride in his impressively large pumpkins, earning recognition in the local newspaper multiple times. For many years, the couple enjoyed the company of a returning family of turkey vultures that nested in one of their large trees, which they loved to observe. Both Lee and Janis were passionate about birds and often traveled to indulge in birdwatching. They shared a marriage lasting 50 years until Janis sadly passed away in 2010 after heart surgery, from which she could not recover.

In 2012, Lee married Peggy Bradberry, a longtime friend of both him and Janis. For many years, Lee and Janis enjoyed countless hours with Peggy and her late husband, Jim Bradberry, who passed away in 2009. The four often spent time together at Gordon’s Concerts and took numerous vacations as a group. With such a strong foundation of friendship, it was only natural for Lee and Peggy to marry and continue their journey together. Lee and Peggy shared many interests, including gardening, exploring historical sites, serving at the LDS temple in Albuquerque, and birdwatching, enjoying these passions for many years

He is predeceased by his mother Louella Builta; father John Builta; first wife Janis Builta; brothers John, George, Robert, Abraham, Kenneth and Charlie Builta; sisters Annabelle, Maxine Dorris, Dolly Builta, and son Charles Lee Builta.

Lee is survived by his wife Peggy Bradberry; sister-in-law Roxanne DePriest McNeil; daughter Kerry A. Forbes (Builta); son-in-law Thomas Forbes; granddaughter Zjael C. Millard (Builta); grandson-in-law John P. Millard; grandsons Skyler and Kyle Builta; and great grandchildren Astrya and Aiden Millard, not to mention many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the LDS Church in White Rock, NM. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Audubon Society in memory of Lee.

The family of Lee Arlen Builta has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477.