Sonia Dotson

MANSFIELD – Sonia Elaine “Red” Dotson, 76, of Butler, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, August 9, 2025, in the emergency department at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.

A true redhead in every sense of the word, Sonia was determined, feisty, and full of spirit, yet those closest to her knew the gentleness behind her strength…. she was loved by many. Sonia faced decades of physical illness with remarkable resilience and grace—never once complaining and always pressing forward with courage and dignity. She was a tough overcomer, defined not by what she endured but by how she loved through it.

Sonia listened without judgement and accepted you unconditionally. She naturally connected with everyone and was quick to offer a piece of candy—something she was known for handing out wherever she went. Her home, like her heart, was always open.

Her love for music, especially classic rock, was ever-present in her life. In her younger and healthier days, she found joy in dancing and tending to her flower gardens, which she filled with color and care. She also had a soft spot for rabbits, collecting them in all forms over the years.

Family meant everything to Sonia. She took special pride in hosting holiday gatherings, where her cooking and baking brought everyone together. No celebration was complete without her special touch and loving attention to detail. A devoted fan of Days of Our Lives, she rarely missed an episode and could recount decades of storylines with the accuracy of a true soap opera historian.

Sonia’s loving strength, sweet nature, and unwavering loyalty to her family and friends will be missed more than words can say. She was deeply loved by all who knew her—and always will be.

Sonia is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Harvey) Robinson, Lindsey Flynn, Cody Dotson, and Thomasina Dotson; grandchildren Whitney Cooley (Leroy), Breven Barnett, Montel (Cheyenne) Dixon, Nevaeh Stockdale, Vaughan Miller; 9 great grandchildren; sister Linda Ramey and brother Trent Dailey; as well as lifelong friend Connie Lape.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Wayne “Doc” Dotson.

Graveside services will be held Friday at 2 pm in Bunkerhill Cemetery in Butler. The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dotson family.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made to Conard House Assisted Living, 71 Blymyer Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio 44903.