Dolores Charlotte Rike

A longtime resident of Annandale VA, Dolores Rike was born in Olivet, South Dakota, to Frank S. Dilger DDS and Bozana (Kolda) Dilger. She grew up in Yankton, South Dakota, and received a degree in nursing from Sacred Heart School of Nursing. She met the love of her life James Clifford Rike while serving her country in the US Army Air Corps as a Flight Nurse during World War II. While supporting allied operations in Europe, she was awarded five Air Medals for meritorious achievement, and provided medical support to liberated victims of German concentration camps. She left the army with the rank of Captain in 1947.

Dolores had a deep love for the Roman Catholic Church, and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Annandale. She was very active in; the Blue Army, Our Lady of Mary, and was the founder of Our Ladies Rosary Makers. Over her life Dolores crafted and distributed countless rosaries and taught thousands of children in the Arlington diocese the history, and how to make a rosary. She also spent decades collecting and shipping boxes of clothing to the needy worldwide.

As a mother, nurse, and devout Catholic, Dolores will be remembered for her boundless love, silent sacrifice and dedicated service to others. The lives she touched were enriched.

Dolores is survived by her five sons, James Jr., of Burke, VA, Thomas M., of Leesburg, VA, John M., of Charlottesville, VA, Robert A., of Sandston, VA, and Richard E., of Charlottesville, VA; three daughters, Suzan Blazy of Fairfax Station, Sally Hart of Charlottesville and Mary Jane Schon of Philadelphia; three sisters, Rosemary Stipo, Palm Bay, FL, Joan Timony of Washington DC and Jeanette Lewis, Houston, TX. Additionally, she leaves behind 19 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Col. James C. Rike, a son, Joseph P., and six siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to St. Michaels Catholic church 7401 St. Michael's Lane Annandale, Virginia 22003.