After a long illness, the aftermath of a massive stroke five years ago, our mom, Dorothy Bolton, passed away at Twin Cities Community Hospital Templeton. at approximately 9 a.m., Oct. 24.

Born in 1928, Dorothy graduated from high school in Algonac, Mich. in 1946. She soon moved to Arizona where she met her soon to be husband. After getting married in 1949, Dorothy moved with her Air Force husband Jim from Arizona to Maine then California in 1963, raised three boys during two more wars and returned to school in 1970, earning her associate degree at Cuesta College in 1973, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California at San Diego in 1978. She earned her degree while also working in the library system at UCSD.

She went on to become a licensed nursing CNA, then health care administrator, eventually owning and operating her own home health care center, Fair Oaks Villa, in Arroyo Grande.

She loved politics and spent time in Washington, D.C. at national Republican conventions eventually becoming a member of the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle. She also began to buy and sell real estate rentals in her spare time. She was a member of the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce, Central Coast Gold coasters, Bear Rock Investment Club and Central Coast Newcomers Committee.

She loved her family very much and hosted many family gatherings in her home over the years, and was the glue that held it all together.

After a major stroke in 2003, Dorothy lived her remaining years at Vineyard Hills Health Center in Templeton. She was well cared for and visited often by the ones she knew and loved so well.

She is survived by her spouse, James C. Bolton; children James K. Bolton, John C. Bolton and Thomas L. Bolton; grandchildren Jaymes Bolton, Jonathan A. Bolton and Grace M. Bolton; and siblings Mary and Richard and preceded in death by siblings Bob, Tom, Bun Jim, Gerry and Grace.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 at Chapel of the Roses Mortuary 3450 El Camino Real, Atascadero.