DOLLY MELLEN

1932 - 2011

Lillian Dolores Mellen, beloved wife of Fred Mellen of Bow Island, passed away in Camrose on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at the age of 79 years with her son Shaun by her side.
The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew's United Church, 139 - 2 Avenue West, Bow Island on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Sheila McLeod officiating.
Dolly will be forever missed by her loving husband Fred Mellen and their children, Michelle "Mickey" White of Lethbridge and Shaun (Margaret) Mellen of Edmonton. Grandma Dolly loved to visit with her grandchildren Spencer, Tyler and Ariel White of Lethbridge; Jessica (Russell Bridgeman) Mellen of Warburg; Amie, Angie, Christie, Brandon and Kaylie Mellen of Edmonton; great granddaughter Bryn Bridgeman of Warburg. She will also be remembered by her brother Wayne (Gerry) Annon of Hanford, California, sister-in-law Helene (Bill) Taylor of Airdrie, brothers-in-law Jack Mitchell of Orleans, Ontario and Rollie Havens.
Dolly was predeceased by her father Joseph Annon and mother Viola Annon; sisters Ila Terry, Audrey Mitchell, Joanne Havens; little brother Lawrence Annon and brother-in-law Bus Terry.
A true coalminer's daughter, Dolly was born in Bow Island and spent the first years of her life on the Annon coalmine north of town until the beginning of World War II when the family moved into Bow Island. After high school she moved to Lethbridge and worked at the Royal Bank. Dolly moved back to Bow Island to marry her true love Fred Mellen. She also worked at the Treasury Branch in Bow Island and finished her working career with the Saint Mary River Irrigation District while Fred worked on the top floor for most of her career there.
Dolly loved swing music and she and Fred travelled far and wide to dance the night away. She was also involved in the community, being a long time member of the O.O.R.P. and a Past Honoured Royal Lady of the organization. Dolly was also secretary treasurer of the Low Income Housing Association and secretary of the Southern Alberta Summer Games. She also aided Fred in most of his posts and positions that he held with the town over many decades.
After retirement Fred and Dolly loved to travel and especially loved to visit their favourite gambling spots. During the summer, Dolly could be found outside in the garden and even had one of the best bean pots in town. She was also a prolific reader and there were many books passed back and forth between her, her cousins and sisters-in-law.
Dolly will be remembered by all for her beauty, class, kindness and hospitality.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Lillian’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island Health Centre, P.O. Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.
Special thanks must be made to the staff of the Pleasant View Lodge, Bow Island Hospital and Extended Care Wing, as well as the Rosehaven Facility in Camrose for the excellent care that she received in her later years.