Bessie Margaret Elwood Dolence

RONAN — Bessie Margaret Elwood Dolence, 90, died Feb. 28, 2005, in Ronan.

She was born July 22, 1914, at Central Cove, Idaho, the second child of Walter M. Elwood and Effie Morrison Elwood. Formerly from New York and Tennessee, they were early homesteaders of the Central Cove community.

She attended school at Central Cove for eight years; one year at Friends Academy at Greenleaf, then the next three at Wilder High School. She attended Links Business College at Boise for one term. Several of the 1932 Wilder High graduates had their 65th high school reunion in 1977 and she attended that.

She married Joe J. Dolence of Homedale on May 27, 1936. They farmed and ranched in Homedale, Rockville and Sheaville, Ore., and at Ten Davis, Idaho. They retired to Parma, Idaho, in 1972 after 36 years on farms and ranches.

After retirement they made three coast to coast trips. They spent several winters in Arizona until health problems prevented it.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother and husband.

Survivors include two sons, Monte Dolence of Polson and Leon Dolence of Ronan and their families; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; four great-great granddaughters; several cousins and two nephews, Larry Elwood and family and Jim Elwood and family.

At her request there will be no services. Inurnment will be in Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Idaho.

Shrider's Mortuary of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.