Betty A. Dawson

Betty Ann Dawson, 84, of Sedalia, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at her home.

She was born January 15, 1934, in Nelson, daughter of Paul and Mary McLaughlin.

In 1950, she married Marvin Lee Dawson, who preceded her in death on May 27, 2004.

Mrs. Dawson shined in her public service. She established the 911 system for Southwestern Missouri, having the distinction of making the first 911 call in the area.

Mrs. Dawson was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers Volunteer Program and operated their senior center at the Missouri State Fair for twenty-eight years. On their behalf she operated the Red Ribbon/D.A.R.E. program and participated in Meals on Wheels and delivered gifts to needy families at Christmas.

Betty also found time to ring bells for the Salvation Army. She was the volunteer coordinator for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 150 and the Great Missouri Garage Sale.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Church. She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered as caring, loving, faithful, trustworthy, and a “hoot” at times.

Surviving are two children, Ron Dawson (Vickie), of Florence, and Jeannie Edwards, of Sedalia; four grandchildren, Shelley Hicks, Sheena Rauhoff, John Hicks III, and Tanner Edwards; four great-grandchildren, Daegan, Kash, Liam and Silas; a brother, Paul Edward McLaughlin, of Clinton; and a sister, Kay MacLaughlin, of Blackburn.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, David Dawson; a daughter, Patsy Hicks; a sister, Mary Hughes; and a brother, Jim McLaughlin.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, at Heckart Funeral Home, with a reception to follow at the Heckart Family Center.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 12, at the funeral home.