Oleta "Sweetie" Dolen

1930 - 2025

OLETA FARLEY ADKINS DOLEN, lovingly known as "Sweetie", passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Palm Sunday, at the age of 94, in Huntington, West Virginia. Born on June 19, 1930, in Ranger, West Virginia, Oleta was the cherished daughter of Alta Hawkins (Bill) Farley and Mathew Farley. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Dolen; her daughter-in-law, Paula Adkins; and her siblings Lottie Farley Midkiff, Flornelle "Tubby" Farley Conley, and Mathew Nicholas "Dunk" Farley.
She is survived by her sisters Cleo "Doodle" Pinson and Nellie Inez Farley Roush. Oleta is also survived by her son, Rodney Lee Adkins; her grandchildren, Sarah Adkins Greear and Brittany Adkins Beitzel; and her great-grandchildren, Ian Greear, Zoë Greear, and Dawson Beitzel. She held a special place in her heart for her nieces Diane Murphy and Kathy Willis, along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and a host of treasured friends far too many to name, but each one held a dear place in her heart.
Oleta began her working life teaching at a one room schoolhouse in Lincoln county, and then worked at General Cigar Factory before becoming a teacher at Hannan Trace High School in Ohio, and then became a beloved typing teacher at Huntington East High School and later taught Business Law and Bookkeeping at Barboursville High School, where she made a lasting impact on generations of students.
A devoted member of Highlawn Baptist Church, Union Baptist, and later New Baptist Church, Oleta's deep faith and love for her Lord and Savior were the foundation of her life. She was actively involved in Bible study and her church family, living a life that reflected her unwavering belief and kind spirit.
Sweetie was known for her love of golfing, gardening, cooking, and especially baking. Her home was always a warm and welcoming place, filled with joy, comfort, and homemade treats. She had a special gift for making holidays magical, especially Christmas, when her house became a haven of love and celebration for all who entered.
She also had a lively competitive streak and loved playing card games most especially Hand and Foot often gathered around the table with friends and family for hours of laughter and fun.
One of Oleta's favorite Bible verses was Luke 12:34: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
She lived these words fully treasuring her faith, her family, and the many people whose lives she touched with kindness and grace.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon on Monday, April 21, at New Baptist Church in Huntington, WV, with a funeral service immediately following at Noon with Pastor Trent Eastman officiating. Burial will follow at Woodmere Memorial Park.
Arrangements are being taken care of by Wallace Funeral Home.
Oleta's life was a beautiful example of love, faith, and generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.