DOLORES VISELL HARRER, 92, of Great Falls, MT, passed away on June 26, 2021, at Benefis Peace Hospice.  Dolores was born on December 28, 1928, to Rose and Arthur Visell, in Tacoma, WA.  Her parents operated a bookstore in Tacoma.

Growing up, she and a neighbor girl each had a horse that each enjoyed riding on the Ft. Lewis military reservation.  This later led her to Washington State University where she landed a part time job with three other girls working with horses at Hilltop Stables.  About this time, she told friends she would like to marry a cowboy from Montana.

Bill Harrer, such a student from Montana, was enrolled in animal husbandry at WSU.  A mutual attraction developed.  Later, while walking back from a class in fitting and showing cattle, courage surfaced.  He asked her "If I give you my fraternity pin to wear, will you marry me?"  Her answer was "Yes!"  Dolores did not know Montana or the family she was moving into but damned the torpedoes!

After his graduation, Bill spent the summer working with his dad on the Green Meadow Ranch in Helena, MT while Dolores stayed in Tacoma with her folks.  She planned a fall wedding, which occurred on October 23, 1946.  After the wedding, they drove to Helena to begin ranch life.

That life did not start easy.  This was the first winter on the ranch in Helena, and one of the coldest in years.  Lots of problems developed.  Dolores was skeptical when told that winter weather was very unusual, but "hung in there".

Later she started taking classes part time at nearby Carroll College as she wanted to finish her education.  Meanwhile, a first-class herd of registered Angus cattle was developed at the ranch.  Bill's summer job was primarily fitting and showing cattle at Fairs and cattle shows in the region; winter job preparing cattle for the spring production sale.  Dolores helped with all.

Then in September 1953, son Grant was born and in January 1957, daughter Karen was born.  Dolores was an extremely proud and loving mother all the rest of her life.

With Bill's father's retirement, Bill and Dolores purchased the Lost Lake Ranch in Geraldine, MT in September 1968.  Dolores thus moved from a ranch close to town to one far from town.  Dolores had evolved into a true Montana lady and wouldn't live anywhere else.  However, the first winter, Dolores stayed in Helena while Grant and Karen attended school there.  Bill traveled to Helena whenever circumstances allowed.

During the years in Helena and Great Falls, Dolores completed college, ultimately obtaining a BA in psychology, then a Master's Degree in guidance counseling.  She enjoyed several employment opportunities, including working at the Boulder River School, the School for the Deaf & Blind, the College Bookstore in Great Falls, and as a Malmstrom AFB counselor.  All the while, she supported the ranch and her family.

Her hobbies especially including gardening … starting a new major garden nearly every place she lived; cooking for her family; her beloved cats; collecting books (lots of them); and traveling.

Dolores joins her parents, Rose and Arthur, in Heaven.  She is survived by her husband, Bill, and her children, Grant Harrer (Deanna Harrer) and Karen Davis (Chuck Davis).  Grandchildren include Amber Broadbent, Travis Harrer, Rebecca Harrer, Noah Davis, and Kara Schile, plus 5 great grandchildren.

Dolores and her family request that any donations be sent to the Dedman Animal Shelter in Fort Benton, MT.  A memorial service will be held in the future.  Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.  Please visit Dolores' online memorial page at www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for her family.