Dorothy "Dottie" Anderson logged over 40,000 hours in aerial flight

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Dottie Anderson Shelton died on Dec. 8, 2012, at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton, Ohio, where she had resided for several weeks. The daughter of Jesse and Pearl Guin Anderson, she was born on Jan. 7, 1926, in Columbus Grove. In 2004, Dottie married Lloyd Shelton of Bowling Green, who died on June 26, 2012.

A brother, Byron F., also preceded Dottie in death (Helen) Anderson. She is survived by two nieces, Karen (Marvin) Garmatter, of Rawson, and Connie Anderson of Lima; a great niece, three great nephews, and their spouses; 17 great great nieces and nephews; two step-daughters, Pam Shelton of Vero Beach, Florida, and Trish (Dave) Ryland of Sandy, Utah; three step-grandchildren; and two step great great grandchildren.

A life-long resident of northwestern Ohio, Dottie graduated from Bluffton High School and Bowling Green State University. She began her flying career as a pilot of small aircraft while still in her teens and at one time built her own plane, a Pitts Special.

Over the years she taught hundreds of students and flew in numerous air races throughout the country, most notable participating in 32 Air Race Classics, with a 4th place her best finish. Her last race was in June 2011. 

In 1978 she became a flight examiner, a position at which she was employed until her recent illness. Over the years, Dottie logged over 40,000 hours in the air. She was a member of the Ninety-Niners, AOPA (Air Craft Owners and Pilots), and EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), as well as several other professional flying organizations.

Best known as a pilot at the Bluffton Flying Service, Dottie was selected for participation in the Astronaut Training Program in Colorado during its early years. She declined as “it was a really busy time at the airport and they were shorthanded” and she didn’t have the means to pay for this “unfunded for females” invitation.

To honor Dottie’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mennonite Memorial Home, 410 W. Elm St., Bluffton, Ohio 45817.

Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com.