Dolores “Dee” Rodriguez, 70, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2018 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Dee’s greatest joy was her family. She was humble about her own accomplishments but proud of all her children and grandchildren’s achievements, and made each and every child and grandchild feel like they were her favorite.
Dee was a selfless person, leading a life of service and setting an example for all who knew her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Dee and Lee together ran a daycare out of their home for 25 years when Dee began her second career in food services as a “lunch lady,” retiring as the Director of Catering for District 11 Schools. For family, friends and co-workers alike, she exuded love, kindness, gratitude, humility, generosity, strength and happiness. She made quick friends and made each one feel like they were her best, regardless if she had known them for a day or her entire life. She will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Dee was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mary (Martinez) and Nicomedes Montoya; her sisters: Ruby Dobson, Irene Vigil, Clara Trujillo; and her brothers: John, Andy, Nick, and Joe Montoya. She is survived by her beloved husband, Eligio “Lee” Rodriguez, who shared married life with Dee for nearly 50 years; three daughters: Maria Milner (Clark), Tricia Vanderwarker (Dave), and Gina Syz (Jeremy); two sons, Jon (Jennifer) and Rodny (Adele) Rodriguez; eight grandchildren: Dallin, Hunter, Brooke and McKenzie Milner, Braydon and Brooks Vanderwarker, Xavier and Gabriel Rodriguez; and two brothers, Richard and Frank (Josie) Montoya.
Dee was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had unwavering faith. She believed in the Plan of Salvation and that families are forever. Her faith brought comfort to her family during this trying time. She loved Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and is now residing in His presence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Catholic Charities Marian House or DBSA of Colorado Springs.
Visitation, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. on Friday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1705 N. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80915. Graveside services, 10 a.m. Saturday, Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.