Dolores Dee Arnold

Dolores Dee 'Dolly' Arnold(November 28, 1935 - July 31, 2010)After hanging on for a few days following two heart attacks and stroke, Dolly slipped into the Lord's presence on Saturday evening, July 31, at 8:30pm. A memorial service for Dolly will be held on Wednesday, August 4th, at 2:00pm at Whittier Hills Baptist Church. Brian Wilson, a family friend and College Pastor at Whittier Hills, will be officiating. A reception with light refreshments will follow immediately after the service. The address of the church is: 16153 E. Russell Street (at the corner of Russell and Bogardus, just off Whittier Blvd.) Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 947-4791In lieu of any flowers or gifts, the family would request that donations be made to Whittier Hills Baptist Church for the Whittier 'Uptown Initiative'--a long term focused outreach project of the church.Dolly was born on November 28, 1935 in San Gabriel, California to Orbin Francis 'Tad' and Evalin Davis. She lived her elementary school years in El Monte and the family moved to Quartz Hill (in the Antelope Valley) for her junior high and most of her high school years. It was there that Dolly developed a love for horses--a passion she had throughout her life.The family moved to Bishop, California just prior to her senior year of high school where her father became the secretary-manager of the Inyo-Mono-Alpine county fairgrounds. During this time, Dolly not only competed in many horse shows, but developed an interest in rodeo. She was named rodeo queen of the Tri-County Fair in 1953 and later competed at the L.A. County Fair at the national level. During her rodeo years, Dolly competed in saddle bronc riding, barrell racing, calf roping, cutting horse competition, and trail horse events. She often found herself the only woman competing in a field of men.In 1970 Dolly moved to Shafter in the San Joaquin Valley. Her many years in Shafter were spent as a farmer's wife where her husband farmed cotton, alfalfa, grain, and almonds. Dolly loved living in the country where she could have her animals and help out with work on the farm. Through the loving outreach of a small Mennonite Brethren Church, Dolly was introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ. South Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church remained her church home for many years.Life on the farm was often difficult and full of pressures. She also experienced a series of major health issues throughout her life that slowed her down quite a bit. Following a period of extraordinary trial, Dolly moved to Whittier, California five years ago to be near her son and his family. She took great delight in her grandsons and was very proud of them. Dolly appreciated her church, Whittier Hills Baptist Church. She enjoyed her women's Bible study led by Shirley Shively, Pastor Robert's preaching, and the worship led by Craig Allen. She had deep respect for her Sunday School teacher, Pete Margosian, and was so thrilled when she could treat him to a ride in a World War II era B-17 bomber.Dolly is survived by her brother, Dennis D. Davis and sister-in-law Marie of Bakersfield, one son, Clinton E. Arnold and daughter-in-law Barbara of La Habra, and three grandsons, Jeffrey D. Arnold and his wife, Cari, of Fullerton, Dustin M. Arnold and Brandon J. Arnold, both of La Habra.