Dorothy Lou “Dot” Lawton, 80, passed away Monday, May 2, 2016 at her home in Jefferson. Services will be Friday May 6, at 10:30 am at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Visitation will be Thursday, May 5, from 5 to 8 pm at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson.
Dot, daughter of, Cyril and Luella (Gardemann) Boddicker, was born January 6, 1936, at her family farm near Newhall, IA. She graduated valedictorian with the Newhall class of 1953. She played basketball during her four years of high school, wearing the lucky number “22.”
She met Gerald Lawton during that time while he was teaching and coaching at Newhall. Following her graduation, Dot attended Iowa State College for the summer and went on to work at Stamates Publishing Co. in Cedar Rapids until she and Gerald were married on February 27, 1954.
Dot and Gerald made their home in Floyd, IA, for a year before moving back to the family farm, near Cooper. As many people say, “Dot became a vital part of the community as soon as she ‘hit town’.” Along with her favorite job of being a mother to her five children, she was active in the United Methodist Church, Franklin Culture Club, congregate meals, bridge clubs, and Franklin 4-H.
Dot “produced” the Christmas Eve program at the Cooper United Methodist Church for many, many years. She enlisted the help of others along with the participation of any child that attended the service. It was a production enjoyed by all.
Dot’s life was as full as it could possibly be. She never stopped. Basketball games and other sporting events were a huge part of life for Gerald and Dot. They did not miss a girls’ state basketball tournament in their 52 years of marriage. After Gerald’s passing in 2006, Dot continued to attend the girls’ tournaments, including every game in 2016. She enjoyed traveling with friends and attending the Friday night and birthday groups.
“Grandma Dot,” as she was known by any child that met her, especially enjoyed watching her grand-children and great-grandchildren participate in their many activities. Dot was also known for the food she shared with everyone, including her famous scotcheroos, brownies, potato salad and thousands of ham balls.
Dot and her very good friend Marty Scheuermann were known to take off at the drop of a hat if something fun or interesting was happening within a 300+ mile radius. The Cooper community was Dot’s extended family, and her legacy will most certainly live on.
However, Dot’s biggest legacy is the love she shared with her family.
She is survived by sons Doug (Karen) of Cooper, Ron (Jane) of Jefferson, and Todd (Amy) of Dallas Center, and daughters Ann Lawton of Jefferson and Karin Lawton-Dunn of Grimes; grandchildren Kati (Will) Nailor of Indianola, Diana (Justin) Towers of Jefferson, Lance Lawton of Des Moines, Crystal Lawton (Shawn) Scheuermann of Paton, Autumn (Reed) Larson of Jamaica, Ethan, Bridget and Kylie Dunn of Grimes, and Drew and Nic Lawton of Dallas Center; great-grandchildren Cooper, Maggie and Wesley Nailor of Indianola, Nathan and Natalie Towers of Jefferson, and Gavin and Haley Scheuermann of Paton; her sister Marcia Dircks of Rochester, MN; and nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald Lawton; parents Cyril and Luella Boddicker; sister Maryls Boddicker; and In-laws Harvey and Nellie Lawton. Also preceding Dot were grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other special relatives and friends.
Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com
