Dolores Jean La Liberte

Dolores Jean Hall La Liberte passed away at her home Feb. 2, 2025, at nearly 81 years young. She was known to all for her sharp wit, generosity and adventurous spirit — always ready to jump in the Jeep for a long ride or paddle across the lake and find something new to explore. 

She had recently been diagnosed with myeloma, a type of cancer, and kidney failure. She is survived by her husband, Terry La Liberte, daughters Debbie Lynch (Kevin Lynch) and Kimberly La Liberte, and grandsons Raymond Molander and Hayden Porter. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Yvonne Gies, and her parents, Ray and Yvonne Hall. 

Dolores was born Feb. 12, 1944, in Kalispell, Mont. She grew up exploring the mountains and lakes of Western Montana. She loved everything outdoors, from camping to ice skating to waterskiing to snowshoeing to riding forest service roads on her motorcycle with the wind in her hair and one of her dogs riding on the tank. She graduated from Flathead High School in 1962, briefly moving to California before returning to the Pacific Northwest a few years later and settling in Spokane, Wash., where she would later meet her husband, Terry La Liberte, at community college. They were married July 11, 1976. Dolores received her BA in general studies from Eastern Washington University in 1988. 

An avid snow skier, she joined the 49 Degrees North volunteer ski patrol in 1982. The ski patrol system would soon come to be a passion for Dolores. There, she became a dedicated volunteer, serving over three decades in various roles, from Patrol Director to Region Director to Division Director. During that time, she also earned esteemed awards for her service and certifications as a Senior Patroller and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). More importantly, she built lifelong friendships and memories filled with fun, laughter and cheer, which she treasured with all her heart. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.