Dolores Ashbaugh

Dolores Eleanore Ashbaugh was born as the roaring 20’s came to a close, appearing with a rival roar on January 3, 1930 in Seattle, WA. She was instantly loved by her father, Michael Patricelli, and mother, Josephina Eronimo. Born into a large family of nine siblings, Dolores had a captive audience from the start which may explain the penchant for entertainment which lasted her entire life.  As a young child she was introduced to glimmer and glitz through appearances as an actor and singer on local radio programs. As she grew and developed her craft she refused to be limited to the airwaves and instead used her talents to captivate audiences with both her vocal abilities and dancing skills.  She was magnificent when preforming on roller-skates whilst singing and dancing.  Beyond her abilities as a multi-talented performer, Dolores also enjoyed all life had to offer through travel, food, and family. On a blind double date, she met her husband Harry Lawrence Ashbaugh, a truck driver from Prosser, WA. After an idyllic meet-cute beside a wishing well, the couple quickly discovered their opposing personalities – she a lively Italian woman and he a more reserved German man – would complement one another beautifully. The couple blended their lives together parenting, Lorri Ann Holmes and Leslie Marie Chissus, daughters from her first union with John P. Holmes, and later adding to the family with their youngest daughter Victoria Weik. Mothering inspired Dolores to give back to her community and to explore her Italian roots.  She could often be found participating in the local chapters of the Elks, Eagles, and Moose clubs. She most relished acting as the President of the local women’s chapter of the Sons of Italy. She explored her appetite and general thirst for culture through trips to countries in Europe and all over the world.  Her eyes saw the beauty of places like Ireland, the Bahamas, and her family’s motherland of Italy. Upon returning she would regale others with her travel adventures as the family sat for big homecooked Italian meals.  Dolores’s passion for sharing food and joy also permeated her professional life.  Her flare for hospitality could easily be witnessed during a visit to Sudden Cravings Sweet Shop, the ice cream shop she owned and operated for many years in Maple Valley.  Her children, Lorri and Vickie, along with other local teens gleefully put spoon to dessert, scooping ice cream and serving up 33 different flavors of popcorn. Dolores’s creative eye for joy and hospitality was evident yearly through her memorable holiday decorations including a magical Christmas Village she built to top the family’s octagonal glass-top coffee table and the wintery white flocked Christmas trees she dressed each year. Her Christmas wonderland often served as an enchanting backdrop for remembering loved ones passed through the Family Bible – a treasured heirloom which held many generations of history. As her family grew, she welcomed both grandchildren and great grandchildren who she imparted her love of entertainment onto through trips to the movies.  On August 15, 2019 Dolores went to find Harry and their wishing well.  Perhaps she’ll see her daughters Lorri and Leslie, her parents Michael and Josephine, and all her siblings waiting with Harry beside the sparkling waters of the well.  Dolores leaves her daughter Victoria Weik, 4 beloved grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many treasured nieces and nephews behind to continue an unforgettable legacy of entertainment, familial care, and true community.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Dolores Ashbaugh at 11:00 am on September 4th, 2019 at St. Anthony Parish in Renton. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton will directly follow the mass. Please see services details tab for further information about the service locations. 

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