Donaleen Dolly Virginia Archer

With heavy hearts, the family of Dolly Archer of Ventura reports that she joined her Heavenly Father on August 26th, 2017 at the age of 90. Born Donaleen Virginia Michael in Cando, North Dakota to Virginia and Dan Michael, Dolly moved at the age of 12 with her family to a cattle and horse ranch in Newhall, California where her parents built a travel lodge. She attended San Fernando High School where she met and later married her husband, Lee Archer, now deceased. They eventually settled their family in Ventura and established an oil field service company. Dolly worked for the family business and later in life as a teller for Bank of America.

Dolly had a deep devotion to her faith in God which defined nearly every aspect of her life. This faith shaped the way she lived and had an undeniable effect on her family and everyone who had the honor of being a part of her life. She was an active member of Ventura Missionary Church for decades where she also served as a receptionist. Dolly also served as chairwoman for the local Christian Women’s Club. For years she hosted weekly Bible study and prayer groups in her home.

Dolly loved to travel and made many trips to Hawaii, Israel, and Europe. She absolutely loved to experience different parts of the world God created. She experienced the beauty of mountain ranges, deserts, forests, big cities and small towns, but she was most definitely her happiest on or near the water. It was this love of being near the water which inspired her and her husband to build a remarkable home in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento which became the go-to place for countless fun filled vacations with family and friends. Dolly was an avid water skier and motorboat enthusiast. Those who had the privilege of going to the lake with her know the term “Dolly water”, the glassy water conditions just perfect for waterskiing. This term has forever been coined in her honor.

Dolly was a people person. Everyone was attracted to her positive nature, her wonderful laugh, and her classic understated beauty. She loved playing games. She participated in regular game nights with a special bunch of lifelong friends. From dominoes and pinochle, to card games and Skippo, Dolly instilled this love of playing games in her family which became a tradition at every family gathering, creating wonderful memories for all. Each Christmas Eve, the immediate family would gather at her home for gift exchanges, game playing, and her infamous Grandma Dolly Pizza, a truly “unique blend” of ingredients and flavors.

Dolly truly lived a full life deeply devoted to her faith, family, and friends and though she will be deeply missed many of her family and friends know that she is resting in peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Dolly leaves behind a daughter Kris Stock and her husband Jim and a son Brian Archer and his wife Joan. She has four beautiful granddaughters: Erica Stock Holmes and her husband Daniel, Ondrea Stock Collins and her husband Sean, Leanna Archer, and Valerie Archer Fasulo and her husband Brian. Dolly has four great-grandchildren: Emmett Archer, Amira Collins, Tyler and James Holmes. Dolly had one brother, Boyd Michael, now deceased.

The family is very grateful for the excellent and loving care given to Dolly in her last year of life by the wonderful staff at the Wellness Care Senior Living in Oak View. They were remarkable in ensuring Dolly a dignified and nurturing environment during her health’s decline.

Dolly will be buried at the Glen Haven Memorial Park in Newhall next to her parents. A celebration of her life on Thursday, September 7, 2017, 1:00 P.M., at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA. There will be a reception at the Tobias Ranch, 10450 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dolly’s memory to the Wellness Care Senior Living at Ojai, 158 Rockaway Road, Oak View, CA 93023.

Arrangements under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura, CA.