Dolores (Dee)

Dolores “Dee” Caplinger December 20, 1933 – October 22, 2026 Dolores “Dee” Caplinger of Mesquite, Nevada, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, following a lingering illness. Born on December 20, 1933, in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, Dee was the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Sholtis) Hritz. She devoted many years to caring for her beloved parents before their passing, always keeping family close to her heart. On August 30, 1953, Dee married the love of her life, Carl Caplinger. Together, they welcomed three children: Carleen Toutant, Beth Ann Caplinger, and Andrew (Nancy) Caplinger. Growing up in Fairport Harbor, Dee always lived close to her parents. After retirement, she enrolled in an EMT class alongside her daughter, Beth. At the time, her husband and son were members of the Fairport Harbor Fire Department. The fire chief invited Dee to join the department in a rescue-only capacity, and she quickly became a beloved member of the team. Affectionately known as “Mom” to the firefighters, Dee held a special place in their hearts. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles. Following the passing of her husband, Carl, in 2005, Dee began spending her winters in Mesquite with her daughter, Beth. In 2006, she purchased her first brand-new car and invited her best friend and cousin, Donna Toth, to fly to Mesquite so the two could “Thelma & Louise it” back to Ohio in the spring. Whether they got into any trouble along the way remains a mystery, but there was certainly plenty of laughter. The following winter, they made the trip back to Mesquite together, after which Donna flew home. After Donna’s passing, Dee made Mesquite her permanent home in 2008, where she lived with her loving and devoted daughter, Beth. Dee leaves behind her three children, Carleen Toutant, Beth Ann Caplinger, and Andrew (Nancy) Caplinger. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Steven (Ashley) Toutant, Nichole Caplinger, Alexa (Steven) Wrywas, and Rebecca Caplinger. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Miika, Anyana, Neela, Ember, and Cameron. Dee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl; her parents, Andrew and Elizabeth Hritz; her sister, Barbara Solomon; and her brother, James Hritz. Her grandson, Steven, would like to express his love for Dee, who was more like a mother than a grandmother to him while he was growing up. She always made sure he had a bed to sleep in, a comfortable chair to relax in, and a deck of cards ready to play. These simple, loving gestures created memories he will cherish forever. Dee also leaves behind two special friends, Sheila Gustaveson and Sandy Depew, who lovingly stepped in to help Beth care for her mother whenever Beth had important obligations. Beth wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to both of them for the love, kindness, and care they showed Dee. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Comfort Home Health and Hospice and the dedicated team at Beehive Homes of Mesquite for the loving care, kindness, and support they provided Dee during her final days. No services will be held at this time. A celebration of Dee’s life will take place in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, in the spring. May Dolores “Dee” Caplinger rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband and the family members who went before her. Love, Always.