Obituary of Dolores Marie Land

Dolores Marie Land, 87, passed away December 13, 2018 in Olympia, Washington.  She was born in Olympia, Washington, on February 5, 1931, to Paul Harold Ashwell and Florence Alpha (Hannah-Ashwell) Sward. She attended school in Olympia and was a graduate of Olympia’s Mode Beauty College in 1947.

 

Dolores was married to James R. Land and later divorced. She was previously married to Albert S. Loyd for 23 years prior to their divorce. Dolores' first marriage to Earl D. Moen in 1947 also ended in divorce. 

 

She was a busy homemaker, mother and wife to a military officer, traveling across the United States several times along with a stint in Germany. She was active in the PTA and several churches as her children grew. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a homeroom mother on many occasions and a Den Mother for her son’s Cub Scout Pack. She was originally a member of the Methodist Church but later found her path to God through the Unity Church of Olympia. She was a member of the Eastern Star and worked with her daughters in the Rainbow Girls. She was very active in charitable organizations throughout her life, including the American Cancer Society, Heart Fund Drives, and Cancer Drives.

 

Dolores was retired from the State of Washington. She worked in several different departments of the State but spent most of her time with the Department of Transportation, retiring as an accountant.

 

At age 60 as a single woman, she contracted out and had her home built at Capitol City Golf Course. She lived there for more than 20 years and enjoyed decorating her home. She was an avid gardener and an accomplished artist. She enjoyed oil and acrylic on canvas and lots of pottery. She enjoyed her many friends and coworkers and loved dancing and playing bridge and pinochle.

 

Dolores is survived by her son, Steven Loyd, and his wife Karen of Brentwood, California; and her daughter, Tracy Loyd, and her husband, Brian Riffenberg; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Ginger Childress of Olympia; brother, Edward Ashwell and wife, Beverly of Redmond, Oregon; and many other relatives who have called Thurston County their home for more than 100 years.  Dolores was predeceased by her daughter, Shelley Hager and her husband, Stephen Hager.

 

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the many caregivers and staff at Olympic West in Tumwater. The family extends their most sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Brooks Blessings Adult Family Home of Olympia and a special thanks to the staff of Providence Hospice for their loving care of Dolores.

 

Dolores was very specific that she desired only a private family graveside service. She asked that her friends and relatives not send flowers, but give memorial donations to the Salvation Army Christmas Fund or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, if desired.

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