Dolores Ann Butterfield, long-time resident of Morro Bay, passed away on December 18, 2023, at the age of 88.
Her family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by the Wilshire Hospice team and the many neighbors, friends, family members, and others that helped her retain her independence and endure the effects of severe COPD with dignity and grace.
Dolores was born in Fillmore, California, to Ella and Albert Bafford. The eldest of five children, Dolores began secretarial work immediately after graduating from Ventura Senior High School to help support her two younger brothers. Following positions with a local bank and Shell Oil Company, Dolores joined the Marine Corps serving from 1960-1963. Dolores took great pride in her military service, which no doubt provided the basis for her profound sense of responsibility, determination and devotion to family.
These values remained with Dolores throughout her life, enabling her to obtain an Associate of Arts degree at Cuesta Community College (while raising three children); take care of her ailing parents/other family member; and to manage a full-time career with the San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services from which she retired in 1997.
A fervent gardener and avid reader, Dolores could usually be found in her (or a neighbor’s yard) tending to an ailing plant or with a book and cup of coffee. Otherwise, Dolores probably had a dog in tow — her own or that of another’s. From a St. Bernard to a Rat Terrier — she loved dogs of all shapes/sizes and spent countless hours at the beach with her various four-legged companions.
Dolores is survived by her daughter, Kathleen LaRoque, of Santa Fe, NM; her son, William Butterfield, of The Hills, TX; her sister, Linda Beardsley, of Morro Bay, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, JoElla Daugette, and her siblings Charles Bafford, John Bafford, and Sharon Borden.
A ceremony to honor Dolores will be held February 17th at 2 p.m. at Morro Strand State Beach Day Use Area (Cayucos) with a reception to follow at the Ocean View Manor Community Center, 456 Elena Street in Morro Bay.
For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Dolores’ honor, please consider donating to Wilshire Health and Community Services of San Luis Obispo.
