Dolores Ann Carlson

Dolores Carlson, 81, passed away into her heavenly home on April 7th, 2024 in Ripon, California.. Dolores was born on January 19, 1943 and was a long time resident and educator in Ripon.

Dolores worked in a variety of positions at Ripon Unified Schools. She was a teacher at Ripona, principal at Weston for many years, and co-taught at Harvest High. She was known as a woman who liked things “just so” from her office, to her sewing projects, to the way she followed recipes. She enjoyed reading books, sewing, tatting, quilting, and lunch with friends. Dolores always had a project to work on and chocolates or flowers on her kitchen counter.

Dolores is preceded in death by her loving spouse, Gary Carlson, her parents Art and Evelyn Weststeyn, her brother Robert “Bob” Weststeyn, son in law Randy Heinrich, and granddaughter Sarah Flink. Dolores is survived by her two children, her daughter Sheri Heinrich, and her son Micheal Carlson along with his wife Patti. She leaves behind her grandchildren Kristin Heinrich, Brandon and wife Myra Heinrich, and Melissa King and husband Donnie. She was blessed with two great grandchildren Lyla and Stetson Heinrich. Dolores is survived by her sister Carol Madsen, sister in law, JoAnn Weststeyn, brother in law Ken Carlson, her sister in law Kathy Tanaka and husband Kent, brother in law Leroy Nelson along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 16 at Ripon Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Ripon Fire Department or to the Stanford Cancer Center.