Dorathy M. Dawson

1926 - 2021

Dorathy M. Dawson

Des Moines -

Dorathy Mae Rutan Dawson, Age 94, passed away at home from this life peacefully on May 14, 2021, in Des Moines, Iowa. A visitation for friends and family will be at Iles Grandview Park Chapel at 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. A private celebration of her life will be held at Rising Sun Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Iowa for family at 1:00 p.m. After burial, a private reception for family will be held at Berean Assembly of God Church in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

Dorathy was born to Charles Henry and Cora Rowena (Clouse) Rutan on December 9, 1926, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Dorathy lived most of her life in Iowa, and was a homemaker. Dorathy was a member of the Berean Assembly of God Church since 1964, and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was also a long-time member of the Altoona Campus. Dorathy enjoyed gardening, walking, and attending church activities. Her greatest love in her life was spending time and socializing with her family and many friends.

Dorathy will be dearly missed by her loving family. Dorathy is survived and lovingly remembered by her children who meant everything to her: Joseph Dawson of Eagan, Minnesota; Carol Wiksell (Wayne) of Altoona, Iowa; Floyd Dawson (Barbara) of Gallatin, Tennessee; Raymond Dawson (Anita) of Lebanon, Missouri; Rena Legan (Jerry) of Prole, Iowa; Gary Dawson of Des Moines, Iowa; and Walter Dawson (Lynn) of Rockaway Beach, Missouri; her step son William Dawson of Hubbard Lake, Michigan; her ten grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Dorathy is also survived by her brother Ronald Rutan of Des Moines, Iowa, and a half brother Clifford Gibson (Carol) of Des Moines, Iowa. Dorathy was proceeded in death by her husband of 65 years Joseph Clair Dawson, her parents, four brothers, a sister, and a great grandson.

Dorathy was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was blessed with many friends throughout her lifetime. The Dawson family wishes to express our deepest thanks and appreciation for the acts of kindness shown to Dorathy and our family during her caregiving, and during our time of sorrow.

A special thank you to Wesley Life Hospice for the wonderful and excellent care given the last few months of life. Memorial contributions may be made in Dorathy Mae Dawson's name to Wesley Life Hospice, 5508 N.W. 88th Street, Johnston, Iowa 50131.