Russell Dolven |
| Posted 2026-03-15 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, October 1, 2025, p. A-4 Russell Dolven was born April 21, 1942 to Raymond and Gloria (Sharkey) Dolven. Russ was raised on the family ranch in Lexington, Ore., and active with livestock from an early age. After high school, Russ started colts on the racetrack in Washington state. Later, Russ moved to Dillon, Mont., where he ran heavy equipment for the forest service. While in Dillon, Russ connected with Benny Reynolds, who helped Russ start his steer wrestling career. With a little prompting, Russ could share some great stories about his time in Montana. In the fall of 1970, Russ came to Wickenburg at the encouragement of Marty and Ellen Backstrom. Soon after, Russ met Mary O'Hair, who had also moved to Arizona from Montana. They were married in 1971. Eventually, Russ and Mary bought a place on Tegner Street to call home. Over the years, the Dolven place has been a second home to many people and horses, ranging from young cowboys looking to learn how to steer wrestle to snowbirds from across the country who boarded their horses with Russ and Mary for the winter months. A lifetime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Russ qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1973 and 1976. He later won the Montana Circuit in 1978 and the Turquoise Circuit in 1982. Russ mentored many cowboys over the years--from bulldogging lessons to mounting guys at all levels, Russ positively impacted many lives. Russ and Mary bought their fist hay squeeze in 2004. If you needed hay unloaded or moved, you called Russ, and he would take care of you. Russ proudly served the community in this capacity for over twenty years. After 83 well-lived years, Russ passed away on Sept. 22, 2025, at his home in Wickenburg. Russ is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his son, Creig; daughter-in-law, Karen; and two granddaughters, Rylee and Shyean. Russ is also survived by many, many great friends. A celebration of life will be held at the Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg on Sept. 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the AZ Rural Veterinarian Scholarship BOCA, PO Box 1473, Wickenburg, AZ 85358; Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919; or Infinity Hospice Care, 8434 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. |
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