Virginia Ruth Dotson

Virginia Ruth Dotson, 92, of Eleanor passed away Saturday, January 10, 2015 at C.A.M.C. Teays Valley, leaving the pain and suffering of this life to join angels on her journey to Heaven, received by the open arms of her Lord. She was a graduate of James Madison University and taught Home Economics and English. She taught a few years in Virginia and ten years at Big Creek High School in War, West Virginia. The remainder of her career was spent teaching in Putnam county, at Buffalo and Poca. She and her husband, Robert, lived in Eleanor for over fifty years and were members of the Eleanor Presbyterian Church. Virginia never had any natural born children and always considered students to be her kids. She was blessed to have several wonderful neighbors and special friends who she enjoyed immensely in her 92 years. Although failing health affected her in the last year, she always enjoyed cooking and baking for friends, participating in church activities and bible studies, the homemakers clubs, and sewing. Most of all she enjoyed living for the Lord and trying to be a friend to those that crossed her path. Born August 15, 1922 at Jewell Ridge, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late M.M. and Belle Burke. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Robert L. Dotson; sisters, Dorothy Cook, Naomi Burdette and Clara Ellis; and brothers, Earl and Ira Burke. She is survived by her Godson, Charles Ellis and his wife, Sherrin of Abingdon, Virginia; her second/adopted family, Dorothy Riddle, Vanessa Higginbotham, Paula Ballengee, and Carla Rodman; her brother, David Burke of Aiken, SC; her sister-in-law, Leta Mae Harmon of Charleston;Nephew, Paul "Slick" Cook and wife Bonnie of Richlands, VA, Niece, Carol Mullins of Richlands, VA and along with several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Santana and his staff for their outstanding care, and to special caregivers, Sarah Anthony, Polly Pickens, Jean Murrill, and Judy Jeffries for their love, care and support. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2015 at Raynes Funeral Home Eleanor Chapel with Pastor Jean Summerfield and Pastor John Yeager officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in the Greenhills Memory Gardens, Claypool Hill, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Eleanor Chapel.