Dolores Maureen was born on February 6, 1928, to Ordean and Marie Hauge. She was an only child and grew up in the Nielsville and Climax areas of Minnesota. She married Duane Robert Johnson of Buxton, North Dakota, on July 3, 1946, and moved to Grand Forks shortly afterwards. They had three children – MerriJo (Joi), Debra (Debbie), and Michael (Mike).

She was widowed at the age of 60 and lived by herself until she was 91 years old and they had to practically pry her out of her home, but with a broken neck it was a necessity.

Dolores loved music and for a while she studied to be a concert pianist. She eventually played the piano in an orchestra at assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and her greatest love was teaching the Bible. She was absolutely devout in her faith. She had many students over the years who adored her.

Dolores loved people and was known for being extremely hospitable. Her house was always open to guests and everyone was greatly encouraged to come often. She hosted movie nights on a regular basis. She collected dolls, figurines, and photos. She would put together a large photo album every single year. She loved to travel. She’d been all over the states, including Hawaii and Alaska, plus Scotland, Canada, and Mexico. She made friends everywhere she went.

She survived breast cancer twice and multiple broken bones (including her neck) but ultimately it was age-related dementia that took her in the end on September 17, 2026. Her daughter, Debbie was killed by a drunk driver on September 16, 2022.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duane; and her daughter, Debbie.

She is survived by her daughter, Joi (Jay) Roland of Thompson, ND; her son, Mike (Darcy) Johnson of Enterprise, AL; her son-in-law, Darrell Eckert of Thief River Falls, MN; six grandchildren, Jayson (Jessica) Roland of New York City, NY, Chris (Hannah) Roland of Milwaukee, WI, Brandi Frederick of Portland, OR, Jerusha (Paul) Olthoff of Minot, ND, Ti (Joe) Holzman of Wichita, KS, Micah Johnson of Enterprise, AL; and nine great-grandchildren.