Dortha "Dottie" Hawkinson

Funeral services for Dortha "Dottie" Hawkinson, 95, of Chariton, will be held Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Columbia Cemetery, near Chillicothe, Iowa following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Lucas County Genealogical Society.

Dortha Pauline Hazlett was born April 1, 1930, in Wisconsin to Otto and Mary (Chilcote) Hazlett. Her father was a coal miner, and she grew up in the Albia area. In her teenage years, she went to live with her Aunt Alice and Uncle Herbert and graduated from Cedar High School in 1948. On May 8, 1949, she married John Hawkinson. Dottie enjoyed being a homemaker and staying at home mom raising her children and being active as a Cub Scout Den Mother and involved in all their activities.

Dottie also enjoyed being the "Avon Lady", not only did this provide a source of income, but it allowed her to make good friends over the years. After her children were in high school, she worked at the Western Auto in Chariton for over 15 years. She was always a hard worker and made sure she provided for her family.

She had an eye for beauty. Dottie was a talented painter and also created many ceramic pieces. She also enjoyed her flower gardens and the beauty of nature. Dottie also found time to be active with the Lucas County Genealogical Society and especially enjoyed the trips taken and friendships built through involvement with this group.

Dottie was strong independent woman, taking little help from others, she found comfort in her home. She was able to stay at home on her own, doing things her way, right until the very last.

Dottie passed away suddenly on September 8, 2025, at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton. She is survived by her children: Susan (Jerry) Dehoney, Gary (Diane) Hawkinson, and Kelly Hawkinson; grandchildren: Sarah Dehoney, Rebekah Dehoney, Jason Hawkinson, and Dan Hawkinson; sister, Darlene Glasford; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Allen Paul in 1955; and siblings: Wilma Jackson, Geraldine Blackman, Elmer Hazlett, Alice Williams, and Maxine Arnold and parents Mary Jane and Raymond Arnold.