Joan Elaine Dolk

DOLK-Joan Elaine Dolk was born July 26, 1929, to John and Elda Shawkey in Polk, PA . Joan was an avid business woman and entrepreneur and spent much of her life, beginning in the early 1970s, in the Jemez Mountains along with her late husband Raymond Dolk where they established successful businesses. Included in these ventures were Dolk's Amber Lodge and Dinner Bell Restaurant, The Los Ojos Saloon and later the La Cueva Steak House, now the Elk Mountain Lodge which was built by Joan and her sons. Since that time, she spent much of her later years in the Rio Rancho area as a loving member of the Covenant Christian Church, later devoting time and energy to Rio West Congregation as well. Her church life was most important to her although she maintained an active role in the Elk Mountain Lodge, operated by her son, Terry Stright. Joan developed an interest in art and over the years produced many paintings often given to friends and family as gifts. Her art work included images of the southwest, such as church missions and pueblos. Throughout her life Joan touched the lives of many people who will never forget her. She was preceded in death by many loved ones, including husbands, sisters, brothers and her two children, Sandra Elaine and Leland Tab Stright. An extensive family of survivors includes 3 children, 3 step-children and their families, 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Joan passed away after a brief illness on April 14, 2009. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Covenant Christian Church, 6380 Iris Rd NE, Rio Rancho. Phone: 505.867.0603. Arrangements are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 (505) 892-9920