At church dinners, folks would skip the potluck table, and head straight to Dottie Whatman’s pies. It was the only way to ensure they’d get a slice. “Dottie Crocker” made cream pies with one magical quality: they disappeared! Whether it was coconut or peanut butter, lemon or chocolate cream, every kind was somebody’s favorite. Though Dottie was gifted with many talents, she excelled at cooking and baking.
Dottie passed away Friday evening July 24, 2015 in OhioHealth MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. She was 72.
Born in Mansfield July 7, 1943, she was the only child of the Rev. Charles and Maxine (Yingling) Elliott. She was raised in the church her father pastored: Mansfield Faith Assembly, and supported his ministry in every capacity she could. She sang in the choir, formerly taught Sunday school, and helped supervise the fellowship hall. Dottie loved the Lord, and she loved her church family.
A graduate of Shelby High School in 1961, she married Donald E. Whatman on June 8, 1963.
Dottie decorated cakes from her home for 20 years and she and Don owned Village Pizza in Bellville in the early 80s. She then worked in the office of Stoodt’s Market in Bellville before accepting a position with the Lexington Branch of the Mansfield Richland County Public Library. She retired from the library in 2005.
Along with Don, Dottie was a member of Copus Hill Model A Club, and was game to travel anywhere. She favored the Holy Lands and Caribbean cruises. Music was close to her heart. From Gospel to rock, pop to show tunes, Dottie was likely to break out in song at any moment.
She is survived by her husband Donald E. Whatman; daughters Dawn & Wayne Lewis of Bellville and Donita Whatman of Bellville; grandchildren Ashley & Jonathan Barnett of Butler, Kayci Lewis of Bellville, Brandon Blosser of Mansfield, Shaun Blosser of Mansfield, Justin & Alex Blosser of California and Steven & Lynsey Blosser of Mansfield; 11 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter Diana Blosser.
The Whatman family will receive friends Wednesday, July 29, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Mansfield Faith Assembly, 2727 Lexington Avenue, where a worship service celebrating the gift of her life will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Don Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery. The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is serving the Whatman family.
Contributions in Dottie’s memory to Mansfield Faith Assembly may be made at the funeral or through the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Whatman family. Send them a message of support and love – and see Dottie’s tribute video – at:SnyderFuneralHomes.com
