Obituary of Dorene Buol

Dorene Maye Buol, daughter of Edmond O. and Grace (Smith) Smith, entered this world on a snowy day, March 20, 1924, at the Smith Homestead north of Burlington, Colorado. Dorene attended school in Burlington, participating in many activities, and graduated from Burlington High School in 1942. After receiving a degree in journalism from Colorado Women’s College in Denver she was a fashion writer in the advertising department at Neusteters in Denver. During this time she corresponded with her future husband, Kermit Buol, who was in the Air Force and in a prisoner of war camp in Germany. Dorene and Kermit were married on August 17, 1945 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Denver and were married 48 years until Kermit passed away in 1993. They raised three children in Burlington making many fond memories of family days on the farm and summer vacations after harvest. Her family was always her top priority, giving encouragement and support. Serving in many capacities, Dorene humbly gave generously of her time, energy, and talents. She was a dedicated member of the Methodist Church in Burlington and United Methodist Women since joining the church as a young adult. Dorene was a charter member of Modern Homemakers, a 25 year member of Federated Woman’s Club, Quo Vadis, and served as the newsletter editor for the Burlington High School Alumni Association. She provided leadership and inspiration for a number of youth groups, social clubs, and community organizations using her writing ability to promote many worthy programs. She enjoyed volunteering at the Colorado Welcome Center and many other community organizations. Actively involved with the Prairie Heritage Arts Association she had a passion for the “Children of the Prairie Project”. All along, Dorene was humbly doing things for others to make a difference and leaving a legacy of community involvement and dedication that goes back many years. Dorene enjoyed traveling, reading, the arts, and learning new things. Over the years her travels took her to all fifty U.S. states as well as many continents. She was known for her dedication to her family, her imagination, creativity, culinary skills, and sense of humor and witty disposition. Many lives were touched with her kindness, compassion, generosity, and thoughtful and caring ways. At the age of 85 Dorene moved into Fairwinds Retirement Community in Oceanside, California. It was an adventurous time of her life filled with many wonderful experiences. When her health declined she made the decision to come back home to Burlington and was cared for at Grace Manor since October 2013. God whispered her name and her earthly journey became complete on May 4, 2016. A life that touched the hearts of others goes on forever. Dorene leaves family and friends with memories of a ready smile and joyous spirit. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kermit; brother, Leland Smith; daughter-in law Kathy Buol; son-in-law Cliff Wiggins; grandson Jared Asher; brother-in-laws Martin Buol and Russell Buol; sister-in-law Rogene Buol; nephew David Buol. Dorene is survived by her son, John Buol, of Burlington; daughter, Denise Nettleton, of Bellingham, Washington; daughter, Diana Wiggins, of Fallbrook, California; Grand-children: Jay Buol, Eric Buol, Sara Wilhelm, Melanie Ginoza, Monica Swapp, Justin Asher, Josh Asher, Michael Wiggins, Sean Wiggins, Heather Wiggins; fourteen great-grandchildren; cousin Jeanette Stahlecker; niece Shelley and Dale Hansen who provided special care; nephews Terry and Judi Buol, Tom and Pam Buol, Don and Linda Buol; sister-in law E.J. Buol; and many other good friends and relatives.