Obituary of Dolly Centofanti

Darlene "Dolly" Centofanti, age 77, a resident of Lake Havasu Heights, passed away September 7, 2017. She was taken care of by the compassionate staff of Hospice of Havasu at the Polidori House of Lake Havasu City. Her husband Michael and friend Erin were with Dolly during her final hours of life. Dolly is survived by her husband, Michael; two cousins, Patrick Chambers, of Arizona and Sandy Duran, of Pueblo, Colorado. Dolly's parents and her sister, Helen, preceded her in death. Dolly was born to Ralph and Jennie (Chambers) Malone on July 16, 1940 in Bishop, California. Dolly married Michael on December 28, 1961 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the "Cupid Wedding Chapel." Dolly was raised in Colorado by her loving grandparents, Homer and Irene Franklin. She was unable to complete high school, for she entered the work force at age sixteen to help support her family; however, later in life she earned an AA degree in dietary management from the University of Kentucky. She served with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office as the Jails's Food Service Supervisor and retired after eight years of service at the "Kingman Jail." She was responsible for serving over one thousand meals per day. She advised the Sheriff of Maricopa County about methods to lower food costs and about his "green" baloney. The press was "Killing" him until Dolly explained the cause, i.e., non-toxic oxidation. The green baloney scare ended with a public statement about its cause on TV by the Sheriff. Dolly loved being a bartender and poured many a drink at various bars and fraternal organizations throughout Lake Havasu City during her working career. Dolly's favorite pastime was to "become" Buggzee the Clown. She dressed herself and painted her face as a "Tramp" clown. She presented herself anonymously and as an incognito persona. No one knew her identity, for she never spoke while in costume. Her closest friends didn't know she was Buggzee the Clown. Dolly visited the elderly, the sick, and of course many children. She had many opportunities to appear as Bugzee for pay, but always performed her services at no charge. She always mused…."How can I charge money to make people smile?" She especially enjoyed watching children that she had entertained, grow into adulthood. She knew many idiosyncratic tendencies of these adult friends, but they had no idea why she knew so much about them. She always kept her clown activities a secret. Dolly was a member of many fraternal and social organizations. She is a Past President of the Elkettes of Lake Havasu City. During her term as President, she sponsored thirty-two fund raising events and was able to purchase a lot for the Elks. The Eastern portion of the Elks Building sets on the lot that the Elkettes bought under her leadership in 1987. There you have it…..A sketch of a non-stop strenuous life. She was a person who affected many lives. She won't be forgotten. Rest in Peace my Love. All of Dolly's friends are invited to the Celebration of her Life at 2:00pm, on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Eagle's Aerie #4299, 1561 Marlboro Drive, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card to the family, go to www.sendoutcards.com.