Dorothy E. Clawson

Dorothy E. (Dottie) Clawson passed away on July 30, 2024, in Colorado Springs. She was born September 14, 1942, in Los Angeles, CA. She spent her early years in Southern California, while spending her summers with family in Canon City. In 1959, she married Gary Crawford and they moved to Kodiak, Alaska, where their daughter Valorie was born in 1960. After returning to California in 1962, they welcomed daughter LeAnne.

Dottie had many adventures during her life in California. She worked at Knottsberry Farm, as a print model for a variety of publications, and participated in the drag racing and show bike scenes of the day. In 1969, she married Vernon Clawson Sr., and they moved to Florence and later Canon City, CO. Together, they had 2 children, Vernon Jr. and Melissa. Many people in Canon City knew Dottie through her 30 years working as a dog groomer – a skill she volunteered through the Humane Shelter for dogs looking for their forever home. After retiring from that profession, she worked as a clerk at AKC & Zac’s convenience store, and as a seamstress at New Method Laundry for many years.

Dottie enjoyed many recreational activities. She was active in square dancing for many years, was a longtime staple of several bowling leagues in Canon City, and volunteered her time with the Guide Dogs for the Blind program. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting – making it a Christmas tradition to give out homemade slippers to family and friends alike – and needlework. But, her favorite pastime of all was camping and fishing with her family at Taylor Park Reservoir. She loved having her family around her and passing down stories of times past.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, Martha (Nothwang) and Ceasar Telck, her husband, Vernon Clawson Sr., and grandson Michael Mortieau. She is survived by her children Valorie (Don) Berry, LeAnne Beller, Vernon Jr. (Angie) Clawson, and Melissa (Joel) Porter; siblings Kathy (Wayne) Hixon, Susie (Mark) Vail, and Tony (Shanda) Telck.; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and baby McKenna coming soon.  Services for Dottie will be held at the Church of Latter-Day Saints at 1435 Elm Ave., Canon City, CO on August 31, 2024 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

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