Dolores Ilene Shank, 91, of Chillicothe Illinois (previously Colorado and Texas) passed away Monday, March 22, 2021, at Heartis Village in Peoria, IL.
Dolores “Dee” was born May 14, 1929 in Peoria, the daughter of Loretta Alexander. She married John Shank on December 28, 1965. He preceded her in death on December 18, 1997.
She was preceded in death by her mother; her daughter, Anna Arnold; her four sisters: Darlene Nelson, Nancy Alexander, Linda Bennett, and Sue Carver; her sister-in-law and her husband, Louise and Victor Johnson; as well as her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John J and Irene Shank.
Dee is survived by one son, James Michael Shank of Kansas; one granddaughter, Jessica Spar; one sister, Sarah Jones; nieces, nephews and several great nieces and nephews; as well as her loving in-laws, nieces, nephews (the Shank and Johnson families of Colorado) and friends from the Pagosa community.
As a young girl she helped on the family farm, later working in the food and retail industries, before moving to Colorado and meeting her husband. They moved to Texas for nearly 30 years before retiring and moving back to Colorado. She proudly served in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Texas, Colorado, and Illinois.
Upon moving to Colorado, Dee and Johnny made many good friends and great neighbors in the Pagosa Springs community. Their home was always open and they hosted many get togethers for family and friends.
Thirteen years after the passing of her husband, she moved back to Illinois to spend time with her Illinois family, living with her niece, Cathy (Grover) Aronhalt and great nephew, Brandon. While in Chillicothe, she volunteered at the Heritage Health Nursing Home. She was a talented painter and quilt maker. She enjoyed traveling, BINGO, and laughing with friends and family.
Dee always said she was full of ---- and vinegar and that is how we will always remember her.
Services will be at 10am on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Hood Mortuary Pagosa Chapel, 2017 Eagle Drive, Pagosa Springs, PARKING IS LIMITED. The service will be officiated by Pastor Kerry Johnson. Dee’s final resting place will be at Hilltop Cemetery, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. A visitation took place in Chillicothe, Illinois at the Weber-Hurd Funeral Home on Friday, March 26, 2021. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.