Dolores Ann Skees

Dolores Ann Skees, of Plantation (Greater Fort Lauderdale), Florida passed away on Wednesday, January 22nd at the age of 84. She was born on March 27, 1940 in Georgetown, Kentucky to loving parents, Clarence and Margaret Kessler of Stamping Ground, Kentucky. Dolores grew up idolizing her father and the family farm he had built, where she learned the meaning of loyalty and hard work, alongside her two brothers who survive her, elder brother James Kessler, affectionately known as “Bub(ba)” and younger brother, Clarence Kessler, Jr., a.k.a. “Hoss” (Shirley). Dolores loved helping her father - minding sheep, cattle, raising tobacco crops and tending to their bountiful garden. Her mother also left her mark with home-cooked meals and a fresh dessert on the table every day. Together, her parents set a foundation for Dolores that would serve her until the day she died – too proud and tough to complain and relishing family and friends.

Dolores graduated from Scott County High School and proudly helped her best friend, Rena Bartlett, arrange many high school reunions. Rena and Dolores spoke almost every day up until her final weeks. Dolores went on to various career positions, primarily with Kentucky State Government, ending her career as an accountant with Aeronautics when she retired alongside her beloved husband of 36 years, Edwin Skees, who preceded her in death. One of their proudest achievements was visiting all 50 states. Ed and Dolores, both extremely hard-working, had a vibrant life, especially post-retirement. They built a glorious home on the Kessler farm and hosted annual barbeques that welcomed hundreds of friends and family.

A devout Catholic, Dolores was a proud member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Scott County, Kentucky, for much of her life, until she and Ed relocated in 2005 to “snowbird life” in Florida, to be near her daughter, Rhonda Ritchie and grandson, Erik Aslaksen, eventually living there full-time. She lived with her daughter for the past 5 years, who was by her side when she passed away, peacefully, from natural causes. She also leaves behind 7 stepchildren, Sharon Trevino Marquez (Henry), Sandra Anglin, Cheryl Barnes (Joe), Kenneth Skees (Brook), Becky Embry, Debbie Skees, Steven Skees (Kim) and many step grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her grandson, Erik, who helped with her care in the final months. Her eldest daughter, Angela, preceded her in death.

Dolores’ family and friends, both in Florida and Kentucky, will remember her as the life of the party, with incredible energy and enthusiasm for life. She loved gatherings with family and friends, bingo, thrift stores (owned one for a time) and playing cards with her brothers and extended family on her frequent trips back to the Kessler family farm in Kentucky. Another favorite memory for Dolores was the annual fishing trips she and Ed took with their close network of Kentucky friends.

Those close to Dolores know she lived her life to the fullest. She requested to be celebrated with a familiar song, with lyrics that resonated with her: “Now the end is near and so I face the final curtain…I did it my way”.

Arrangements are forthcoming, which will include a Celebration of Life in Florida and a catholic funeral in Georgetown, Kentucky.