Dola Benish Miller<br/>September 5, 1924 - January 1, 2015

Born Dola Mae Holestine on a large, prosperous family ranch in Marshfield, Missouri, Dola was surrounded by an extended family and her three siblings, Betty, Jackie and Joe. Born September 5, 1924, she attended a one-room school house in the village, and would later tell stories to her grandchildren about how they would ride their old horse to school in the snow. The Holestine’s and Brannon’s came to America in the 1700’s settling in North Carolina and later Missouri. Dola’s mother, Lois Bell Cloud was of Irish and Cherokee descent. Despite wearing braces on her legs from polio as a child, Dola never gave up, nor felt sorry for herself: and this was perhaps a fundamental key to her character as an adult. The idyllic, if somewhat wild childhood was starkly shattered when the depression hit in 1929 and the family was forced to leave the farm and move west in search of a better life and jobs. Dola, always quick with her wit and smile, soon made a way for herself out in Long Beach, California, where the family settled in 1937, renting a large old house on Ocean Blvd facing the sea.

After high school, when the war ended, Dola started waitressing, while taking occasional secretary classes to learn typing and business skills. She lived in Catalina, Las Vegas, and eventually landed a good job at the Doll House in Palm Springs, where the Hollywood stars would frequent on weekends for dining and dancing. A favorite family tale was her story of dancing with Clark Gable. It was there that she met Robert Benish, falling in love with the handsome WWII pilot who matched her in charm and love of adventure. Dola converted to Catholicism and they were married in Long Beach in 1953.

Bob and Dola moved to Newport Beach in 1957, when Dola became pregnant. They rented the little waterfront house on the Rialto, and began a new life in the bustling seaside resort town. Dola would spend the next 56 years at her beloved red brick house, eventually buying it and raising their family there. Dola became active at Our Lady Mount Carmel Church, serving Guild President for several years running, and tirelessly working to raise funds and organize events for the Church. Mt. Carmel was a source of solace and comfort for her for over 50 years, including during the illness and untimely death of her husband Bob in 1975. In the early 1960’s Dola entered the real estate business in Newport Beach. She thrived as a business woman, becoming the number one salesperson year after year throughout the 1970’s at Associated Realty on the Peninsula. It was there that she had her desk for over 25 years, winning numerous sales awards, and won the respect of colleagues and associates across Orange County.

In 1985 Dola met Warren Miller through mutual friends, and they were married a year later. Warren’s love of boats and the water matched Dola’s love of the sea. The couple had 27 happy years together with many travels in their retirement years, including several trips to Europe to visit her daughter and grandchildren who were born in Prague. Dola and Warren enjoyed entertaining on their electric boat and the patio at the Rialto, blessed with a wide circle of friends and family. When Warren passed away in June of 2013, she moved up with her daughter and grandchildren in northern California, where she spent her last year. Dola was known for her generosity to all relatives and people in need, never forgetting her own humble roots. As a self-made woman, she created a rich community of dear friends and loved ones around her, never turning down the chance to play bridge or go to the races.

On January 1, 2015, after many months struggling with combined arthritis and Alzheimer’s, Dola Benish Miller passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, and Frank Sinatra’s portrait nearby.

Mrs. Miller is survived by her daughter Barbara Benish, Grand-daughters Gabriela and Natalia Benish-Kalná of Santa Cruz, Calif. her brother Joe Holestine, of Newport Beach, and sister Betty Feutsch, of Chico, Calif., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturday, January 17th, 2015 at 11 a.m. The family has suggested donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers. A memorial service for family members will be at the Balboa Pavilion following mass.