Obituary of Dolores Behlke

Dolores Behlke A lifelong resident of Washington, Dolores Behlke passed away on April 25, 2011, in Olympia at the age of 80. Known as “Dolly” to her family and friends, she was born October 5, 1930, in Enumclaw, WA, to Albert and Margaret Ghiglione. Dolly learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and independence at an early age while growing up on the family’s dairy farm. After graduating from Enumclaw High with a strong desire to further her education and expand her world, Dolly attended WSU where she earned a degree in bacteriology and then worked as a medical technologist. Dolly met her future husband, Jim, through mutual friends. They married in 1956 and moved to Olympia where they welcomed six children. Memorable family trips throughout Washington, Canada, Alaska, and Montana reflected Dolly’s appreciation of nature and sense of adventure. Devotion to family was her deepest calling. Courageously, Dolly assumed sole responsibility of parenting after Jim’s sudden death in 1975. Her strong faith and sense of community were exemplified over many years of volunteer service at St. Peter Hospital, St. Michael Parish, and other local organizations serving those in need. Dolly was an avid gardener, traveler, and patron of the arts, but most of all enjoyed time with family. Dolly is survived by her children: Claire Boegli of Buckley; Kay (Steve) Kopp of Bellevue; Joan Behlke (Norman Smit) of Olympia; Joseph (Dana) Behlke of Federal Way; Michael Behlke (Traci Burgler) of Kirkland; Maria Behlke (Bruce Bruski) of Issaquah; seven grandchildren; her sister Alice Moldrem of CA; and sister-in-law Jane Behlke, of AK. Memorial donations may be made to the Thurston County Food Bank. A celebration of Dolly’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2011 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Olympia. Please leave memories and condolences for family online by clicking "View Guestbook" below.