Catherine "Renee" Dodson

If you hear a Dave Matthews Band song drifting through the breeze, just know Renee Dodson is up there somewhere demanding an encore. Born March 31, 1971, and always the life of the party, Renee checked out of this wild world on June 3, 2025--probably after giving Donald Trump one last piece of her mind.

A force of nature (and a force for good), Renee was a fierce Democrat, a champion for human rights, and never missed a chance to stand up for justice--even when it made Thanksgiving spicy. Her dream was to jump into politics just like her parents, both stalwarts of the Democratic party in Gas City. Renee never shied away from speaking her truth or fighting for what's right.

If you needed a softball ringer, a beach buddy for Anna Maria Island, or a no-nonsense advocate for those who couldn't speak up, Renee was your first call. But her real pride and joy was her family: her 30-year life partner, Tony Stephenson, and her three kids: Ben, Daniel, and Ragen. We were her whole world, and she made sure we knew it, whether by cheering us on, calling us out, or hugging us tight. If you know us, you know her--passionate, stubborn, loving, and always ready to laugh at life's chaos.

Renee is survived by her life partner of 30 years, Tony Stephenson; her children, Ragen Dodson, Daniel Stephenson, and Ben Stephenson; her sister, Lora Stephenson; her brother, Clyde Dodson; her loyal dog, Roscoe; her Aunt Terri Justice; her Uncle Jeff Cox (Marilee); and her nieces and nephews, CJ, Carrie, and Amanda Dodson. She also leaves behind cousins, Joshua Cox and Melissa Cox (Melvin). She's now reunited with her parents, Charles and Marilyn Dodson; her dog, Roxy; maternal grandparents, Lewis and Vecelia Cox; paternal grandparents, Esther and Clyde Dodson; her beloved uncles, Jim Nichodemius and Mike Justice; her dear Aunt Kay and Uncle John Dodson; as well as Tyler and Matthew Stephenson, who passed before her--surely all greeting her with open arms and a cold Diet Coke.

To know Renee was to love her--or at the very least, to be thoroughly entertained. Her legacy? Speak up. Dance barefoot. Never let a bully win. And always, always put on a little Dave Matthews when you need to remember how beautiful and wild that life really is.

A Remembrance Party for Renee will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Grant Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, IN. And, yes, it will be a party, just like she wanted. Flip-flops and witty political commentary are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, you may cash app $ragenrayy to cover expenses and donate to the ACLU on Renee's behalf.

Arrangements are entrusted to Integrity Funeral Care, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, IN.

Memories may be shared online at www.ifccares.com.