In her early years, Betty fell in love with music. She played saxophone in band and tutored others in music as well. While in high school, she was part of the Smithton Community Band and became assistant director. Her love of music was passed on to her children and grandchildren. After marrying, Betty was a homemaker who devoted her life to her children by volunteering at school. She held many offices for the Freeburg Grade School PTA and was President of the Freeburg Grade School Band Parents for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Ray D. Dotson, whom she married on December 13, 1952, and who died on September 18, 2011; a daughter, Shirley (Lanny) Day; and her parents, Edwin and Barbara, nee Kasperzick, Wolf
Surviving are three sons and a daughter, Dennis (Jackie) Dotson of Freeburg, IL,
Wayne (Connie) Dotson of Findlay, IL,
Larry (Helen) Dotson of Midland, MI,
and Carolyn (Brian) Volpert of Freeburg, IL;
nine grandchildren, Lannette (Matt) Story,
Kristina and Jared Day,
Brody and Connor Dotson,
Braden and Adrienne Volpert,
Alexandra and Ethan Dotson;
one great-grandchild, Dylan Story;
sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law;
and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Freeburg Grade School band program so they can continue to provide the gift of music to students who might not otherwise have a chance to be enriched with what Mom loved so much. Also consider the Pimpin Joy movement (Pimpinjoy.com). It is a celebration dedicated to people fighting cancer or other difficulties in life but choosing to find and spread joy in their daily lives by helping others, paying it forward or any other kind gesture towards someone. Mom was a breast cancer survivor. She continued to help others well after winning her battle. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 and from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at the funeral home, with Rev. Herbert Schafale officiating.
Burial will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.
Condolences Left For Betty Dotson
Dennis, Jackie and family. Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your mom. I don’t think I met her, but I know I heard about her active part in the Freeburg PTA. Sending thoughts and prayers to all.
June Grab Benedick, Belleville, Il.,
To all of you Carolyn, Dennis, Larry and Wayne. I am so sorry for your loss. We all will miss Betty. She was a very generous, giving person. She was a good sister in law to us also. Erma
Erma Hopping, Mackinaw, Il, 61755
Dennis, Jackie and family- Oh wow, this surprised me. I am so sorry. I just saw your mom at Dollar General not too long ago (I’m thinking maybe this Spring) and I thought to myself that she has not changed much since I was in grade school with you and Shirley. I had to giggle because she was talking with the checkout girl about still writing a check for her purchase and she said something like she wasn’t going to fool with all that other stuff. You all should be proud that you had such a generous and caring mom. Love and hugs,
Mary & Jerry Vielweber, Freeburg, IL, 62243
Dennis, Jackie & Family. We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary & Mark Huller, O’Fallon, Illinois,
You have Laura and my symphony. Your mom and I go back a long time. She bought me my first ice cream when I had the measles, thats just a small thing that her generousity brought me when I was growing up. Betty was almost like a mother to me at times. She had a hart of gold. In my later years I use to tease her just to get her riled up but it was one way to get her to laugh too. Betty I am going to miss you, and I know you are in God s memory. Love you
Earl Dotson, Crawfordville, Fl., 32327
I was shocked….Id had just talked to her not long ago…..I am very sorry that this happened….
Tom Gilliam, Venedy, IL, 62214
Carolyn, Wayne, and Larry. Was really shocked when I found out. Betty will be GREATLY missed. There is no doubt in my mind that she is with Ray, Rob, and Boy. And she is keeping them All in line. I luved her like my own Mom. I pray that God walks & comforts each one.
Luv
JoAnne
JoAnne Davis, Floraville, IL, 62298
To the Dotson Family…Your family has my deepest sympathy at the loss of a wonderful lady Betty… She will be greatly missed..Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.. May God Bless You All.. Love, Cousin, Alberta Prater-Pryor (daughter of Charles and Leta Prater).
Alberta Prater Pryor, Maywood, Missouri, 63454
Carolyn, Brian & family – Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on forever. With heartfelt sympathy. Love you all – Robin Jacobi
Robin L Jacobi, Jefferson City, MO, 65109
Betty was everything you stated and MORE with regard to the band program at Freeburg Grade School. All the music contests we hosted, trips and meetings, and all the time she donated running the concession stand at noon raising band funds. She was truly a saint! I’d like to add, since I was only 21 years old when I started my teaching career at Freeburg, she wasn’t afraid to “help me out” in a motherly way often when she felt strongly about something! I loved her dearly. You all have my sincere condolences.
Paul Bickel , Lenzburg, Illinois , 62255
So very sorry that you must go through this rough time. We are thinking of you and send our love.
Joyce & Jack May, Moline, IL, 61265
Sending prayers to you all on your loss, I know your mom was the heart of the family!
Mark and Susan Schuchman , Waterloo, Illinois, 62298
The Dotson Family,
Your mother was an outstanding woman. She will be missed by all. My family is thinking of all of you and sending our prayers.
The Clossen Family
Barb Clossen Sauerhage, Oakdale, IL, 62268
To the Dotson Family: My deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of your mom. What a sweet lady. I remember her well. God’s Blessings and Peace.
AnnaLee (Jones) Ekstrand and Family, Belleville, IL, 62220