Dolores Jean Wood, born December 4, 1931, in Atchison, KS, to Carl F. and Rose M. (Enzbrenner) Wagner, passed away on November 17, 2024, at the age of 92.
She attended Mooney Creek elementary school and the Mount St. Scholastica Academy for three years before graduating from Atchison High in 1949. Growing up during the World War II era, she was forced to grow up fast, leaving home in her early teens to care for elderly family members. At the age of 19, she married her husband of 56 years, "Bud" Lawrence Wood, on May 20, 1950, at Sacred Heart Parish where they were both parishioners until its closing. Together, they built a life on their farm, raising livestock, selling eggs and tending a large garden each year while also working full time jobs in town.
In 1967, after her children started high school, she began working at Mullin's Brothers Hardware Store, later transitioning to Rockwell/Atchison Casting, where she dedicated over 20 years. Dolores and Bud enjoyed hosting gatherings at their home for holidays and seasonal parties such as Octoberfest, traveling to Branson, supporting charitable causes, spending time with grandchildren and devoting much of their free time to caring for elderly family members.
Family members remember her as a left-handed, feisty, funny, independent, smart and hardworking family-oriented woman who was amazing with numbers, encouraged education, hard work and the pursuit of goals. With beautiful handwriting she enjoyed sending letters and cards to friends and family. Having a green thumb, she knew all sorts of tips and tricks for growing better fruits and vegetables. She was an amazing cook and would always send you home with a “care-package”. She will be greatly missed by her family.
She remained in her home after her husband's passing in 2006, living there until her own death.
Dolores was preceded in death by her brothers Wilbur, Melvin and Gerald Wagner; grandson Thomas Wood; and son-in-law Charles Noll. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Noll of Nortonville, and son, Stephen Wood (Deanna) of Atchison; her sister, Mary Newell of Oskaloosa; along with 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian burial to celebrate the life of Dolores will be on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Atchison. A rosary will begin on Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. followed by visitation at the church. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
