Dorothy Devail Craton

Dottie was a devoted wife, a kind and patient mother, and a faithful friend. Talented and intelligent, she was a quiet person who was more comfortable letting others have the spotlight. Honest and supportive, she was dear to many.

The daughter of William David Benson and Ollie Beatrice Maddox, she was born May 14, 1930, in Flintville, Tenn., where her father was a sharecropper. She was the youngest of six siblings.

Dottie was devoted to her husband of 65 years, retired USAF Major Larry Craton, who preceded her in death on Jan. 6, 2020. The two met at Berry College near Rome, Georgia, where Dottie earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1953. Dottie and Larry married in 1954.

Dottie briefly worked as a science teacher, but she focused on parenting and homemaking for most of her adult life. As a military wife, Dottie managed home and the couple’s three children as Larry was stationed at multiple locations during his career, including a remote tour in Korea and multiple temporary duties during which Dottie operated as a single parent.

Dottie was an outstanding cook and a gifted gardener. She liked to sing and participated in several church choirs and other choral groups. She enjoyed sewing and crochet. She was careful about her appearance and always dressed nicely.

She is survived by three children, Karl Craton, Linda Swanson and David Craton; daughter-in-law, Susan Craton; son-in-law, Rick Swanson; grandsons, Justin Golliday, Michael Craton and Andrew Craton; step-grandchildren, Tricia Swanson and Curtis Swanson; several dear nieces and nephews; one sibling, Alton Benson; and several good friends. She is also survived by several caregivers who kindly assisted Dottie over the last decade of her life.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 9, 2021 at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Those who are interested can gather with the family after the service for a buffet meal at Der Dutchman, a restaurant at 3713 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL, 24232. There will be an opportunity at the lunch for anyone who would like to share memories or stories about Dottie. Coral Ridge Funeral Home in Cape Coral is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in her memory to Hope Hospice, hopehcs.org/donate