East Dover, Vt.- Dolores Belle Daubenspeck, a longtime Vermont resident and dedicated member of her community, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, at the age of 96.She was surrounded by family and faith at the time of her death in east Dover.
Born October 16, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, to Paul and Clara (Hutchinson) Palmer, Dolores spent her formative years in tunbridge, Vermont, graduating high school in 1946. She married Earl rushford on January 4, 1947, and together they raised seven children, initially in Tunbridge before relocating to South Reading in 1964. The couple later divorced in 1972, both finding remarriage in 1973.
Dolores Daubenspeck demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout her life, embracing a variety of occupations including farming, shopkeeping, caregiving, catering, resort cleaning, screen printing, and artistic endeavors like painting and paint restoration. She consistently prioritized service to others.
Alongside Earl, Dolores actively participated in annual community shows with close friends, and enjoyed a vibrant social life centered around gatherings and local dance halls. She found joy in travel, reading, and shared meals, and possessed a notable talent for music, singing both for personal devotion and the entertainment of others. She taught herself to play the organ and yodel. Dolores instilled a love of learning, reading, swimming, and faith in her children and grandchildren.
Despite early family separation,Dolores later reconnected with her siblings,mother,and father,fostering a close relationship with her father during his later years. She provided long-term care for great-nieces/nephews, grandchildren, and her foster mother and two of her children until their passing.
Dolores was predeceased by her parents, siblings Vernal, ruth, Frances, and Jacqueline; sons John, Douglas, and David; daughters April and Dawn; two grandsons; and numerous other family members and friends. She is survived by her sister Sharon Birkbeck, daughters Naomi Rushford and Ramona Emery, 22 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
