Dolores Irene Probasco was born March 9th, 1931 twelve miles southwest of Eckley to Seward and Ellen (Rutherford) Gilbert. She died peacefully October 23th, in Yuma, at the age of 94. She attended Star Grade School and Eckley High School graduating with the class of 1949. Dolores had many fond memories of growing up with her family during the Depression. She would often talk about their spotted mule “Oswald” who, because of his rarity, was featured at a sideshow in Lakewood.
Dolores met Keith Probasco in freshman algebra class when they shared a book. They were married May 28, 1950 at the Eckley Presbyterian Church. They faced all of life’s ups and downs together and enjoyed 65 years of marriage. They were parents to Kenneth Eugene, Tim Gilbert, Diane Irene and Tony Dean.
Dolores’ and Keith’s first home was a farm they rented, followed by a move to Eckley. In 1969 they bought the Probasco family farm and moved there. She greatly enjoyed farm life. In 1988 they moved to Yuma to be able to be more involved in their grandchildren’s school activities. Family was Dolores’ greatest joy.
Dolores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her primary, and most rewarding, occupation was homemaker. She earned teaching credentials and taught at Champion Valley School after high school before getting married. She also was a news writer for the Yuma Pioneer and Wray Gazette. When her kids were in school she was a substitute cook at the Eckley Grade School. She belonged to Barnes Busy Bees Extension Club, Bowling League and was an Election Judge.
Dolores was a lifelong member of the Eckley Church. She was a Sunday School and Bible School teacher for many years. She held the offices of Secretary, Treasurer and Deaconess. Dolores was instrumental in reopening the Eckley Church when it went from Eckley Presbyterian Church to Eckley Community Church. She recently received recognition for serving the Church for 85 years.
Dolores had many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed flower gardening, reading, sewing, knitting, cross stitching, solitaire and crossword puzzles. She was actively involved in her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s lives. She was an amazing cook and would prepare special birthday dinners and cakes for family members. She also made and decorated many wedding cakes.
Dolores was preceded in death by her husband Keith; parents Seward and Ellen Gilbert; parents in-law Jim and Elsie Probasco; siblings Roberta (Mervin) Armagost, infant brother Orrin Gilbert, Nelda (Kent) Brownlee, Loren Gilbert and Eldon Gilbert; sisters in-law Jean (Neil) Ellis, Joan (Earl) Morgan, Joyce (Max) Brown, Nadine (David) Brophy, Janis (Earle) Ekberg; and many special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She leaves to mourn her passing, son Kenny Probasco, his children Kyle (Laura) Probasco, Kirsten (Bryan) Dickson, Kody (Mandi) Probasco, and Klint Probasco; son Tim (Karie)Probasco, their children Jeana Probasco, Troy (Sotheary) Probasco, and Saige (Matt) Preston; daughter Diane (Lynn) Hagemeier, their children Andy (Tabatha) Hagemeier, Joe (Melinda) Hagemeier, Kelly (James) Crossland and Bud Hagemeier; son Tony (Janice) Probasco, their children Amanda (Jeff) Craig, Cori (Jeremy) Vandiver and Sara (Jessie) Vance; 26 great grandchildren; and many special nieces, nephews and friends.
The funeral service was held at the Eckley Community Church on Thursday October 30th with Pastor Jon Shaw officiating. Interment in the Eckley Cemetery was under the direction of Baucke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Eckley Community Church and the Yuma Public Library.