Dolores Gillespie, age 89, crossed that Earthly-to-Heavenly Bridge to hear the Angels sing on June 14, 2026. Her Earthly journey began as Ella Dolores Wheeler on April 10, 1937 at The Stumps Hospital in Brownwood, Texas. She was the daughter of two proud parents, R.C. “Jack” and Catherine Wheeler. Her journey ended at The Ware in Amarillo, Texas.

Dolores crossed many bridges in her life. She was the bridge that connected her family and friends, always finding ways to bring them together, supporting them as they journeyed through life. She walked with them through their darkest valleys and helped them reach new heights. She left many standing on that Earthly Bridge. She will be forever missed by two daughters – Davianne Gano and Donnella Moore with husband, Paul; and her son, Doug Gano with his wife, Lori. She also leaves behind two step-sons – Phil Gillispie and his family, as well as Joe Gillespie and his family.

Dolores also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Forest Bertsch, Aaron Bertsch, Zoe Eevenson with her husband Ben, Casey Allen with her husband Caleb, Holden Gano, Brandon Daniels with his wife Alison, Tyler Gano with his wife Anisha, and Bailey West with her husband Carter.

In addition, Dolores also leaves behind eight precious great-grandchildren, each just beginning their own journey: Dustin Evenson, Emery and Brynlee Allen, Eleanor Daniels, Amelia and Rylie Gano, and Landry West.

Dolores is now standing on that Heavenly Bridge with her husband, Don B. Gillispie (her forever dance partner), her parents Jack Wheeler and Catherine Curtis, and sisters – Clara Evans, Wanda Dennis, and Betty Blackman-Rosemeier. Though all of these have now crossed that bridge to the other side, the paths they built for us will remain forever.

Dolores graduated from Amarillo High School in 1955 where she was a member of The Thespian Club, Square Dance Club, Press Club, Choir, and Operetta Club. She was highly thought of by her classmates and was proud to be a Golden Sandie.

Dolores retired from Amarillo ISD as Administrative Assistant at Palo Duro High School in 1994. Don’t tell anyone, but she was the one who ran that school!!

Dolores was a member of Polk Street Methodist Church and attended the Bill Mobley Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Mobley Bridge Club, where she enjoyed playing bridge with her many friends. Outside of church, she enjoyed dancing, painting, various needlepoint works, sewing, traveling, baking, and most of all, loving her family and friends.

Love finds its way across every bridge. All whose lives were touched by Dolores are welcome to join the family and share your stories of how she touched you as you both stood on that Earthly Bridge in creating memories. As we go through life, crossing many bridges, each of you reading this touched Dolores and her family in many ways. Thank you to all of you for your time with her.