Dolores June Powell (Hayes)

Dolores June Powell left us on January 13, 2024 at the age of 93. Born Dolores June Hayes on July 18, 1930 to Dorothy and Ralph Hayes, Dolores was the oldest of four siblings: Dolores, Janice, Darrell and Sandra. She loved her sisters and brother dearly all of her life.

After completing high school and secretarial training, she worked in downtown Pittsburgh for a real estate attorney (imagine her riding the bus downtown in her high heels). Her law career was interrupted when she married Ira Frank Huey, Jr. (Frank) The couple had three children, Brian, Janine and Kimberly. The family moved often but eventually came to Salisbury, Maryland. After getting the Eastern Shore sand between her toes, Dolores enjoyed living in Salisbury for 37 years.

When her 25-year marriage to Frank ended, a whole new life was opened to her. Dolores was working at Salisbury State University as an administrative aide and eventually was promoted to Administrative Aide to the Dean of the School of Science and Technology.

After Dolores began taking art classes at the University in 1980, watercolor painting became her new vocation. Dolores loved the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the majority of her art pieces reflected that love. She continued to paint for 40 years, showing her work in various galleries and art shows around Maryland. On 11/8/96 The Daily Times interview highlighted her 13th annual watercolor exhibit at the Wicomico County Free Library. She was quoted: “Watercolor is my favorite medium – painting landscapes of the beaches, lighthouses of the eastern United States, sailing vessels, farms and waterfowl. I enjoy capturing the beauty and mystery of a place – the sky, the light, water and wildlife.” Inspiration? “Nature, the play of light and shadows, sky and water. I enjoy stretching my horizons: trying new and different things with my art. I am inspired by the pleasure my art brings to others.”

One night in the late 70’s, Dolores put on her red dress and went to a dance where she met William Allen Powell (Bill), the “Love of her Life”.  Bill had two children: Bill, Jr. and Pam whose families became a part of Dolores’ growing family including 3 grandchildren: Sean, Jake and Lily. Bill and Dolores enjoyed their 27-year marriage, especially after they both retired. The couple boarded two cruise ships to the Caribbean and they traveled to Texas, Utah, Idaho, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Bill was her partner in her art business. He made the frames for her artwork and helped her transport paintings and set up shows.

A few years after Bill died, Dolores moved to Austin, Texas to be near her daughter, Janine. She lived there for four years before moving with Janine and her husband, William Gwaltney to Montrose, Colorado where she lived for 8 years.

Dolores had many friends and many people loved her. She was known for her outgoing personality, her love of cooking and entertaining, and her African Violets.

No biography of Dolores could be complete without mention of her love of cards, especially bridge. Bridge was a lifetime passion of hers that spanned 70 years. Her skill with cards was legend and she loved the comradery that went with the game.

Dolores is survived by her children: Brian Huey and wife Patricia, Janine Gwaltney and husband William and Kimberly Purnell and husband Leonard. Her siblings: Darrell Hayes, Janice Collin and Sandra Campbell. Her daughter in law: Beth Powell and Her grandchildren: Sean Huey, Jake Taylor and husband Louis, and Lily Powell.

Dolores was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. Donations can be made in her name to St John’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 563, Ouray, CO 81427

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 3 at 2pm. (802 E Main St., Montrose, CO 81401, (970) 249 -2121)