OBITUARIES

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 10, 2002

DOLORES MARIE MILAR

Dolores Marie Milar, known to most as "Dolly" died April 29 in Colorado Springs, CO at age 82. She was born in Akron, Ohio and, until recently enjoyed an active life. She was a cheerleader at Buchtel High School. As a physical education major she attended Kent State University where she met her future husband Howard "Bud". They eloped at age 19 and traveled around the United States on a three year extended honeymoon, supporting themselves by selling personalized stationary. When expecting their first child they returned to Akron where, during WWII, Dolly obtained a position as a designer of window displays at a major department store. She remained in Akron for 18 years where she and her husband raised 6 children. After relocating to Phoenix, AZ in 1960, Dolly continued her career as homemaker as well as working as an aerobic instructor, spa manager, and masseuse. In her sixties she became a competitive athlete as a long distance runner. In the Valley of the Sun she earned first place in numerous 5K and 10K races.

In 1981 she ran her first marathon, the Avon International Women's Marathon with her four daughters and 2 of her granddaughters. Following this race she was featured as a news story on TV and in the newspapers. She also completed the Los Angeles Marathon the following year.

Dolly and Bud moved to Colorado Springs in 1996 to be closer to their son Mike Milar, of Manitou Springs. In addition to Mike she is survived by 3 daughters, Nan Madden, Natalie Angelo, and Megan Holland and another son Mark Milar, all of California, 21 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, a sister Charlene Wilson, of Akron, Ohio, and 4 nieces and nephews. Her husband died 3 years ago; their daughter Melinda Keefe, 11 years ago. A memorial mass and celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. May 18, 2002 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Manitou Springs.

JAMES C. "JIM" BULLOCK

James C. "Jim" Bullock, 60, of Colorado Springs, CO, died Monday May 6, 2002 in an auto accident. Jim was born January 2, 1942 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Jim was originally from Belleville and graduated from Belleville High School in 1959.

Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years - Deborah "Zeke" Bullock; children and their wives - James C. Bullock Jr. and Thea of Wisconsin, Jeffrey Scott Bullock and Tasha of Colorado Springs and Janelle Dawn Lee and Brian of Washington, Illinois. Grandchildren - Dustin, Chere, James, Tonya, Jacob and Jeffery. One sister and brother-in-law - Mary Lou and Eugene Compton of Illinois and many nieces and nephews. Also beloved pets, "Kirby" and "Rylie".

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Mary K. Bullock.

Private memorial services will be held.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, 500 Morris Ave., Springfield, NJ 07081, 1-800-225-0292.

Services by Colorado Springs Mortuary and Cremation Service, 3475 Astrozon Court, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 (719) 392-4144.

MARGIE ANN (BERRY) MORELL

Margie Ann (Berry) Morell, born October 24, 1932 in Ellis, KS, to Ralph and Mae (Britt) Berry. The familiy moved to Wakeeney, KS, when she was 4 years old. Margie moved from Wakeeney to Colorado Springs, CO, in 1978 and resided there until her death May 4, 2002 at the age of 69.

She was united in marriage to Ross Morell who is deceased. She was survived by two sons, Mark and wife Deanne of Garden City, KS, Michael of Los Angeles, CA, one daughter Jill VanDoren of Tescott, KS, four grandsons, Aaron and Dustin Morell, Jacob and Jeremiah VanDoren.

She was preceded in death by husband Ross in 1971, both parents, brother Howard Berry, sisters Lois Rooks, Florence Brack, and Jean Weigel. Surviving siblings are sisters Doris Phlieger of Hays, KS, June McKinley, Ruth Weigel of Colorado Springs, CO, brothers Cap Berry and Joe Berry of Wakeeney.

Her wish was that no formal services be held. After cremation, she asked that her family scatter her ashes over God's beautiful mountains which she loved so much.

ROBERT DWIGHT FRANCIS

Robert Dwight Francis passed away at Memorial Hospital May 7, 2002. He was a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs, and received a degree in fine arts and industrial arts from Western State College. He was a standards engineering specialist for Colorado Springs Utilities. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Gwen E. Francis; siblings M. John Francis, Kathryn Veltre, Homer Francis, Sylvia Baxter, Gregory Francis, Mary Ciletti; 13 nieces and nephews, and a special childhood friend, John Crow.

Bob is best remembered as a gentle, kind and extremely witty person who was an involved and loving brother and uncle. His interests ranged from antique autos to recreational hiking. He was an avid animal lover and honored sketch artist.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2002 at 2:00 p.m., at 4825 Stanton Road, Colorado Springs, CO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association, 2480 W. 26th Avenue, Suite 120B, Denver, CO 80211.