Dolores Jean Katherine Bales passed away suddenly on February 12, 2021 following a brief illness.

She was born to Raymond and Loretta Kolb in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 12, 1931. Her early childhood was spent in the St. Louis and Belleville, Illinois, areas. In 1942 the family moved to Portland, Oregon, where she attended Ascension Catholic School and later graduated from Washington High School in 1949.

While still in high school Dolores joined US National Bank of Oregon and worked for the next several years at the Citizens Branch in Portland. While working at the bank she met and in 1956 married William Warren Bales, another transplanted Midwesterner who now called Portland home.

Over the next few years, they lived in Portland, Newberg, and Klamath Falls as they began to raise a family. In 1961 they moved to the Salem area, first living in Keizer and since 1979 in West Salem.

Dolores was the ultimate supportive spouse and dedicated mother in every sense. Her determination and devotion to her family, which eventually included three sons was unsurpassed. After her children were all old enough to attend school, she returned to the workplace and served as an office assistant for the Salem School District at several elementary and middle schools until she retired in 1990. In addition to her career and family Dolores volunteered her time and energy to various civic and charitable efforts. She was the Past President of the Salem Downtown Lions Club Auxiliary Association and volunteered for several years at Salem Hospital.

Following retirement Dolores spent her time managing her household and supporting and celebrating the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren’s lives and careers. She attended every function involving her family including all school events, choir concerts, and sporting activities, providing encouragement and support.

She remembered every family birthday, holiday, anniversary, or graduation and made sure that such events were properly celebrated. She also enjoyed reading and movies, especially Westerns, and had a keen interest in Pioneer history and visiting historical sites around the country.

Dolores was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, William, and sons Douglas of Salem, Steven of Keizer, David (Ami) of Clinton, NY, and grandsons Alex, Travis and Samuel. She is also survived by her brothers Richard Kolb (Diane) of Canby, OR, and Kenneth Kolb (Kathleen) of Sherwood, OR, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem on Monday March 1, 2021 with Rosary at 9:30 AM and Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Donations requested to Salem Hospital.

Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.