Loretta M. Dotson (nee Hartman)

FREEPORT – Loretta M. Dotson (nee Hartman) age 93, passed away, October 31, 2019, at Manor Court in Liberty Village, Freeport.

Loretta was born January 16, 1926, in Freeport, to Irvin and Pearl (Shiley) Hartman. She was united in marriage to Marvin Timmer on March 3, 1946. Marvin passed away August 10, 1983. Loretta was then married to Bert Dotson, who also preceded her in death. Loretta was a long-time member of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church where she assisted with the Food Pantry. Loretta and Marvin owned and operated a farm in Shannon where they also operated their Timmer and Son produce business. Loretta and Marvin enjoyed square dancing and belonged to a square dance club. Loretta worked at MicroSwitch and later became a member of their retirement group. She enjoyed volunteering at Freeport Memorial Hospital for 26 years. She was an active member of the Red Hat Society and an honorary member of the Catholic Woman’s Group. Loretta was well known for always helping anyone in need. She would often pick up friends much younger than her to go to their many activities. She enjoyed working in her flower beds, doing puzzles, reading and playing cards.

Loretta is survived by her loving children, Doran (Sandy) Timmer Hartford, Wis., Rhonda (Ron) Klint Batavia, Ill.; grandchildren, Doug (Sarah) Timmer, Dan (Charlotte) Timmer, Amanda (Randy) Villarreal, Meghan (Evan) Sutton, Kristen (Neil) Doucette, and Kate (Brendan) Delahanty; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Bailey, Zach, Ethan, Anthony, Jackson, Grayson, Brooks, Jonathan, Lizzie, Ryker, and Logan. She is further survived by three stepsons, Gary (Sandy) Dotson, Mel (Linda) Dotson, Dave (Gerry Roos) Dotson; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and many friends who were very special to her.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Marvin and Bert, and many relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her many friends who are like family for their continued support during a very difficult time, especially Karen Julius, who made sure Loretta’s children took breaks, ate and got rest so that they could continue to be at their mother’s side.

The family would also like to acknowledge the staff at Freeport Memorial Hospital and Manor Court at Liberty Village.

Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 9, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport with Pastor Chris Stukenberg and Pastor Mark Balmer presiding. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9 a.m. until time of service. Please join the family for a luncheon following the service for a celebration of Loretta’s incredible life.

In lieu of flowers donations in Loretta’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society or Park Hills Evangelical Free Church.

Condolences may be shared with her family at www.walkermortuary.com.