Dolores V. Bixler, 101, of Jonesboro, formerly of Cromberg, California, came into the arms of Jesus on Sept. 13, 2023, at the Craighead Nursing Center. She was born on Dec. 26, 1921, to the late William and Violet Eagle in Fort Bragg, California. Dolores was a graduate of Castle Mount High School and business school in Oakland, California.
During her early years, she worked as a secretary at the Army Quartermaster’s Depot in Oakland. During the 1950s, Dolores, her husband, and three children moved from San Francisco to the rural Sierra Nevada in Cromberg.
In later years, she owned and managed Long Valley Resort’s store and post office for 30 years. Some of her jobs included managing the store, pumping the gas, selling hunting and fishing licenses, and validating deer and bear remains. In her spare time, she managed seven rental cabins and raised three children until she retired in the early 1980s. She was known for her beautiful flower gardens and gardening, which was her favorite hobby. She also enjoyed weekly bowling competition. But her favorite pastime was playing and visiting with her grandchildren.
Delores loved attending the Graeagle Community Church, close to Cromberg, and she held weekly Bible studies, led by her pastor in her home.
In 2012, Dolores relocated to Jonesboro at St. Bernard’s Village to be close to her daughter and family. She loved running the Country Store, meeting with the people, and making southern friends. While at the Village, she developed Grandma’s Attic, which involved taking in and exchanging donated clothing and housewares. The residents loved the atmosphere and friendly fellowship that she provided.
In addition to her parents, Dolores was preceded in death by her husband Larry E. Varner, father of her children; husband Howard Bixler; granddaughter Jamie; grandson James; half-brother Stan Braxton.
Those left to cherish her memory are daughter Linda (Bill Wood) of Jonesboro; Guy Varner (Cheryl) of Portola; Joy Petch of Sun Valley, Nevada; grandchildren Steve Wood; Sarah Wood Manchester (Jason) of Jonesboro; Jeremy Varner (Darcy) of Connecticut; Gary Varner of Nevada; Julie Varner of Idaho; seven great-grandchildren, nieces, and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Graeagle Community Church, PO Box 366, Graeagle, California 96103.
