Nell Dolly, 96, of Oakdale died Friday, July 11.

She was born Nell Phipps on April 20, 1918 in Fergus County, Montana to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Phipps, who preceded her in death.

She excelled at school and graduated high school at the age of 16. During the great depression she moved to New Mexico. Following a number of years in the restaurant business she became a restaurateur and relocated to Washington State. This is where she met Hubert Dolly. They were married in 1941, not long before her husband joined the war effort in December of that year.

Following the end of World War II, the couple settled in Alameda, ultimately making their home in San Leandro. Mrs. Dolly was an active and devoted mother to sons Hugh Dolly, Jr. and Donald Dolly. She was active in her son’s lives and took leadership roles in many of their activities. Mrs. Dolly enjoyed being a grandmother to Donovan and Daniel, providing guidance to help them develop into great people. The kids in her neighborhood loved and benefitted from her character and life examples, as well as her pot roast and cookies. She was a positive influence in the lives of many children and enjoyed visits from them throughout her life.

Survivors include her son Donald Dolly of Oakdale; two grandsons, Donovan Nixon and Daniel Dolly, of Oakland.

Services will be held at Santos-Robinson Mortuary in San Leandro on Friday, July 18 at 10 a.m. Graveside ceremony to follow immediately at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.

Viewing will be Thursday, July 17 from noon to 8 p.m.