Obituary: Carolyn Sue Ballard Dotson & Robert Doyle ‘Bob’ Dotson

Feb 19, 1940 – April 10, 2019 and June 20, 1935 – April 29, 2019

Carolyn Sue Ballard Dotson & Robert Doyle 'Bob' Dotson

Carolyn Sue Ballard Dotson, 79, passed away after a long illness on April 10, 2019 at Hospice House in Spokane, WA. Just 19 days later, her beloved husband of 61 years, Robert Doyle “Bob” Dotson, 83, passed away on April 29, 2019 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA after suffering from a broken heart.

Carolyn was born February 19, 1940 in Vincennes, IN, to Ervin “Bud” and Mary Kathryn “Kate” Ballard.  Bob was born June 20, 1935 in Vincennes, IN, to George Harrison and Geneva Lorene Dotson. Bob and Carolyn were graduates of Vincennes Lincoln High School. Carolyn grew up in and worked alongside her family at Ballard’s Market in Vincennes. She worked at Packaging Corp. and at Vincennes University as a payroll clerk until her retirement. Bob worked at Wilkerson’s Sign Co. and Packaging Corp.

After serving in the U.S. Navy in Korea, Bob and Carolyn were married in June of 1958 and Bob joined the family business until it closed in 1980. Bob worked at Schmidt’s Key Market and at Vincennes University as a mailroom supervisor until his retirement.

Carolyn was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Bob was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Eagles where they could often be found playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the holidays.

After retirement Carolyn and Bob set off on a grand adventure and moved to Cordova, Alaska to be closer to their family. Carolyn came out of retirement and worked at Cordova Community Medical Center, Sound Alternatives and the Native Village of Eyak’s Ilanka Community Health Center, where she was known for her kindness and her infectious smile. Bob filled his days with salmon fishing, walking about town and solving the world’s problems over coffee at Noel’s.

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Bob and Carolyn cherished their time in Cordova, where they made many friends who held a special place in their hearts. Their greatest joy came from watching their grandsons grow up.

Carolyn is survived by her sister Patricia Ann Meeks of Bruceville, IN.

Bob is survived by his half-sister Lois Ann Goodwin of Robinson, IL.

They leave behind their daughter and son-in-law Sue Ann and George Mundy, their grandson Joshua Mundy and his husband Jedidiah Lara and their grandson Kyle Mundy and his wife Taylor Mundy, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Their parents and their son Robert Patrick “Bob” Dotson preceded them in death. At their request, they were cremated and no services will be held. Their ashes will be scattered at a later date and a gravestone will be placed on a family plot at a later date.

Carolyn Sue Ballard Dotson & Robert Doyle ‘Bob’ Dotson
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