Talitha Leola Dotson

Talitha Leola Dotson, 93, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away on July 6, 2026, surrounded by most of her family. Born on March 3, 1933, in Sutton, Nebraska, to Fritz and Clara Schwarz. Talitha had two brothers, Don and Johnny Schwarz, and her three sisters, Leota Weitzel, Viola Campbell, and Virginia Moore. In 1945 the family moved to Loveland and in 1950 she graduated from Loveland High School.

In 1954, Talitha married Erwin Dotson, and they had 5 children: Patty Ludwig, David Dotson, Donna Paladino, Jeanne Emmel, and Alan Dotson. A woman of deep faith, Talitha enjoyed attending church and found comfort in her spiritual community. She was a charter member of the Protestant Reformed Church and the last few years attended online services when she had difficulty attending in person. Talitha loved music and was in the church choir for many years. She was a great cook and everyone loved when she made kraut burgers and always requested her homemade yeast rolls at family holiday meals.

Talitha lived at Eagles Nest Assisted Living for the past three years. She enjoyed living there, and she and the family appreciate the care she received. Many thanks to Cole and all of the caretakers at EN.

Talitha was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Erwin Dotson, brother Johnny Schwarz, a sister-in-law Mary Schwarz, her sisters Leota Weitzel and Viola Campbell, and brothers-in-laws Leroy Weitzel, and Clyde Campbell. She is survived by her children: Patty (Mark) Ludwig, David (Cheryl) Dotson, Donna Paladino, Jeanne (Jeff) Emmel, and Alan (Jen) Dotson. Talitha is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Jeremy (Cheri) Bruinsma, Chad Bruinsma, Jared (Merin) Bruinsma, Josh (Bonnie) Dotson, Jimmy Dotson, Jori (Mike) Stall, Dakota Bagbey, Jamie (Liam) Whetstone, Seth (Hannah) Dotson, Noah and E.J. Dotson, Larry Ludwig, Linda (Nick) Cota, Erika Emmel, and Ally (Bob) Emmons. She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren as well as her sister Virginia (Max) Moore, and brother Don (Lynnette) Schwarz, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A viewing will be held at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 AM at the Protestant Reformed Christian Church 707 East 57th St, Loveland, Colorado. Talitha’s favorite color was pink, and we encourage wearing pink to services in her memory. A graveside service will follow at Loveland Burial Park. Family and friends are invited for refreshments at Viegut Funeral Home, 1616 N. Lincoln Ave. Loveland, CO. after the graveside services.