She was born in Dexter, MO, on February 4, 1946, the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Stuever) Banken. Dolores married Ronnald Wright in Dexter, MO, on June 15, 1974.
Dolores earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southeast Missouri State University and became an elementary school teacher, starting in Cape Girardeau, MO in 1974, and retiring from Farmingdale
Elementary School in Pleasant Plains, IL in 2011. When not fulfilling her lifelong dream of teaching, she enjoyed photography (especially when her subjects were sunsets, flowers, or her grandchildren), creating greeting cards and origami, crafting, playing Scrabble with her girls, and caring for her flower garden.
She made the most of life year-round, embracing picnics in the spring, decorating for Christmas as early as possible in the winter, and relaxing in the sunroom, aka "The Resort" every day, rain or shine. Most of all, Dolores cherished being "yamma" to Mabel and Calvin, and time spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Pauline Banken; and an infant sister.
Dolores is survived by her husband, Ronnald; daughters, Sara Wright of Chicago, IL, and Suzanne (Jake) Gephart of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Mabel and Calvin; brothers, Al (Betty), John (LaVeda), and Bernard Banken, all of Dexter, MO, sister, Lucille (the late Adolph) Stenger of St. Charles, MO, and brother Lawrence (Cindy) Banken, of Liberty Hill, TX; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church1930 Barberry Dr. Springfield, IL with Fr. Alex McCullough Celebrant. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery
Those who wish may direct contributions to Farmingdale Library in memory of Dolores Wright. 315 West Church St, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677 (217) 626-1041.
Please visit the “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
