Dolores L. (Hoem) Hoiland   passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2020, in Fort Benton, Montana at the age of 87. Dolores was born on March 6, 1933, to Grace and Arnie Hoem, a ranching family in Big Timber, Montana.  She grew up with her older brother and protector, Harold, and identical twin sister Doris, all working very hard on the family ranch yet her and Doris always finding time for light-hearted moments to prank their teachers or, as they grew older, their boyfriends!  She was a graduate of Sweet Grass County High School, class of 1951, and married Art Hoiland in 1953 upon his return from the Korean War. She and her husband spent several years traveling all over the western United States with his career as a Superintendent of Construction and she had packing up their home down to an art form as they would sometimes receive only a brief notice before heading to the next job site. They made so many wonderful lifelong friends throughout this journey and Dolores was so loved by her good friends because she was such a sincere person, a great listener and trustworthy confidante. She had an enormous Christmas card list that she faithfully attended to every holiday season until she was no longer able.

Dolores was a caring, ambitious, intelligent and extremely talented individual. After their only daughter, Allyson, was of age to attend school, they no longer wanted to be moving about the country and bought their first new home up the Rattlesnake near Missoula where they were charter members of the Messiah Lutheran Church and Dolores served as the church organist and was very involved in crafting as well as other local community clubs and organizations. Shortly after buying their Missoula home they added their ranch in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley where they would raise their family and call home for over 40 years.  Dolores was the quintessential homemaker!  She always kept an immaculate home (even with an occasional calf being brought in to warm-up) and a beautiful yard. She loved working in her flower gardens and made sure there was something constantly blooming from spring through the fall.  She was a terrific Mom, who could always be counted upon for the best advice EVER, was always her daughter's biggest cheerleader and was always so selfless in all that she did for her family. (She was also the master of that "mom look" that could make any kid cringe---but only when it was well deserved!) She was a wonderful 'Grandma with the cows' to her two grandsons, Ryal and Jaydy, both of whom she was so very proud and she loved crocheting them afghans, hats, mittens and slippers when they were younger and she would never miss a beat in firing back at their good natured teasing after they were grown.  Dolores's many talents have blessed all those who knew her well with many great memories.  She was an excellent cook, with her cinnamon rolls, pies and famous gravy topping the list.  She was extremely creative and was always 'crafting' and coming up with something new---be it for others or for her home.  She was a beautiful seamstress who made all of her daughter's dresses and if she could imagine it, she could design it and make it happen.  She did beautiful quilting, painting and knitted beautiful sweaters of complex design for many friends and family throughout her lifetime.

In June of 2010, Dolores broke her hip and was diagnosed with dementia, a horrible disease that robs families of their loved ones as they knew them. The last couple of years had been particularly difficult for her, yet she greeted each new day with a smile and with love and appreciation for her family, friends and caregivers. She was loved more than words can say and will be missed beyond measure.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Art; her twin sister Doris; her brother Harold; and her parents Grace and Arnie Hoem.  She is survived by her daughter Allyson; grandsons Ryal and Jaydy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Though a shining star to all of those close to Dolores, she herself was a private person who elected to not have any formal services. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private celebration of life for Dolores at a future time.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in honor of  Dolores be made to the Montana Chapter of the Ahlzheimer Association, 3010 11 ^th Ave. N. in Billings, MT 59101 or online at alz.org/montana.  Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Please visit Dolores' online memorial page at www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for her family.