Dolores Irene McConkey

Dolores Reese Mattheis McConkey was born in Graceton, Minnesota, on November 10, 1929. She was the oldest of seven children born to Allen and Leola Reese.

Her family moved to Streeter, North Dakota to help her grandfather on his farm. She graduated high school in Streeter as valedictorian and gained 3 Doctorates in college. She was chosen as one of forty teachers in the United States to set up a national math curriculum. She was honored with the Outstanding Educators Award when she received her Masters Degree. She taught school in North Dakota for 24 years and in Montana for 26 years, receiving 22 awards for Who’s Who in American Teachers.

Dolores married Robert Mattheis in 1950. They were blessed with one daughter, Patricia and were honored to foster a son, Athur Anderson, for close to 5 years. They moved to Montana in 1970. Robert passed away in 1989. In 1996 she married Royal McConkey. Royal passed away in 2001.

Dolores was a very active member of the Lutheran Church in all the places she lived, serving as a Sunday and Bible school teacher and Financial Secretary in several of them.

Dolores passed away of natural causes on August 21, 2025. She is survived by her daughter Patricia and husband Ronald Haviland, 3 Grandsons, Byron, Shane and Eric: 4 Great Granddaughters, Hailee, Ashley, Kheley, and Jordan; and 3 Great Grandsons Nickolas, Jarrod and Cameron; 3 Great Great Grandchildren, Ariel, Jackson and Benson; 1 Sister Rose Wilson and 1 Brother Lyle Reese: Several nieces and nephews and stepchildren and their families.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Leola Reese; husbands Robert and Royal: Brothers Leroy and Donald Reese and Sisters Judith Williams and LillieAnn Anderson.

Funeral Service at Shephard of the Hills Lutheran Church in Rathdrum will be announced.