Velma Dolores Walls Tennant Hipke
was born on March 31, 1929 in Barrackville, Marion County, West Virginia. She loved her home state of West Virginia which is “Almost Heaven.” She loved being on her grandparent’s large farm where she spent many happy years being a farm girl. She married her high school sweetheart William Dee Tennant, Jr in 1949. Both graduated from Arthurdale High School in Arthurdale, West Virginia. Dolores loved her role as Mother the most, while serving, teaching and enjoying her children and grandchildren. She also worked many jobs during her life time such being a nanny, a seamstress, an elementary school cook, sales clerk in a grocery store, and a medical assistant for a podiatrist. She also had a few homebased businesses where she sold clothing and lingerie, health products and household items. She liked to sew and enjoyed doing crafts. She was fond of writing poems and stories about family members and ancestors. Christmas was her favorite holiday with decorations everywhere. In 1966 Dolores and Bill moved their family to Mesa, Arizona where they enjoyed the southwest deserts and mild winters. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for almost 60 years where she was a great supporter of the Scouting program as well as working with children in the Primary and giving countless hours of service to those in need. She was loved by many and well known for her friendly smile and kindness. Her love and influence will be felt in all our lives for years to come.She was preceded in death by two husbands, Bill Tennant and Gil Hipke, as well as her sister Norma Reimche. Her oldest son Michael Tennant passed away in April 2017. She is survived by her four remaining children Kathy Fuller, Patrick Tennant, Jackie Bailey and John Tennant as well as 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Other surviving family includes her three remaining siblings Rita Sturgiss, Sherley Walls, and Richard Walls. She dearly loved everyone, old and young, in her family. Dolores passed away on March 8, 2018 at Brookdale Central Chandler where she had resided the past 2 ½ years. Our deep heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and other staff at Brookdale and to the Hospice of the Valley team who took loving care of her throughout the past year. A graveside service was held on March 14th at the City of Mesa Cemetery, where she is buried.
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