Dorothy "Dot" Dickson Catlett

Dorothy “Dot” Dickson Catlett, age 97, of Hannibal, MO, passed away on August 11, 2025, in Noblesville, IN.

Born on April 28, 1928, in Wichita, KS, to Lester Dickson and Gladys Wilson Dickson, she graduated from Hannibal High School in 1946 and went on to earn an associate’s degree at Rochester College. She also completed two years of training as a medical secretary in Rochester, Minnesota, connected with the Mayo Brothers Clinic — work in which she took great pride, valuing the skill and precision it required, before marrying and starting her family. During her school years, she was recognized for her academic excellence as a member of the Honors Society.

Her first date with her future husband, George Edward “Ed” Catlett, was in 1945 to celebrate the end of World War II. On October 27, 1950, they married and went on to share nearly 70 years of love, partnership, and adventure. Prior to Ed’s retirement, they raised their family in Anderson, Indiana. Following retirement, Dot and Ed enjoyed life in many places — Winchester, Virginia; Santa Teresa, New Mexico; La Quinta, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; Cape Coral, Florida and Noblesville, Indiana. In each new home, Dot immersed herself in learning everything she could about the community and culture, embracing new experiences and leaving a meaningful mark everywhere she lived.

Dot was devoted to her family and cultivated lifelong friendships that became like family to her. She had a gift for making every person she met feel special. Her passions included gardening, traveling, jewelry making, knitting, and numerous other pursuits she embraced over the years. She had an endless curiosity and a joy for learning, often taking up new hobbies simply for the pleasure of discovering something new. She created hundreds of handmade hats for children in need through the Caps for Kids program, each one stitched with love. Dot was also a proud and active member of the International Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood, where she found friendship and purpose in supporting women’s education.

Family and friends will remember her for her timeless class, her curious and sharp mind, her contagious laugh, and her big, generous heart. These qualities made her not only admired, but deeply cherished by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Edward (Janet) Catlett and Susan (Butch) McBlaine; her brother, Bill (Martha) Dickson; four grandchildren, Melissa “Missey” (John) Bilich, Kristan Catlett, Mary (Pete) Van Laarhoven, and Stacey (Matt Kelly) Catlett; and four great-grandchildren, Jayden Korbett, Killian Kelly, Liam Kelly and Aiden Kelly. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George “Ed” Catlett, her parents, and her siblings, Richard Dickson and Betty Beck.

The family wishes to extend special recognition and gratitude to her granddaughter, Melissa “Missey” Bilich, whose loving care and devotion brought comfort and joy to Dot in her final months. They also wish to thank Accent Care Hospice for their compassionate support.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Dot’s life will take place on September 20th. Details are available from the family.