Dawn Rachette Bolton, “Sis”, 55, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on June 21, 2025 in Warren County, Virginia.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 3 at 2:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home with Sammy Campbell officiating. Inurnment will be private.
Sis was born April 20, 1970 in Front Royal, Virginia, daughter of John W. Bolton and Patricia Stephens.
She was a graduate of Warren County High School, Class of 1988. She worked various jobs over the years including UPS, Virginia ABC Store, Dupont and TNT Transportation. Due to her health issues, she was forced to retire in 2023.
She is survived by her dad, John W. Bolton; her mom, Patricia Stephens (Larry Gardner); aunts, Susan Smith and Susan Williams; and uncle, James Bolton.
Dawn was an only child, but she had “dozens” of cousins that were like her brothers and sisters. She is also survived by her two life-long friends, Julie Vaught and Susie Massie, “her partners in crime”.
Dawn will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off of her back. She was a lifelong Dallas Cowboy fan, win or lose. Fishing was her passion with her fishing buddy, Todd Massie.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 3 from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warren County Humane Society, 1245 Progress Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
I’ll miss you at my house every night. I’ll miss fishing with you. I’ll miss us procrastinating together because everyone knows when we were together add 5 hours and we will be there 😂 I’ll miss shooting pool with you. I’ll miss my kids talking to you. They will of course miss you and you buying them ice cream every night I had them. I’ll miss us singing Conway Twitty together. I’ll miss your crazy gifts to me every day. your laugh, your smile, your presence. every thing about you sis. there was not one thing AT ALL that I could say bad about you. I love you so much sis…I miss you so much already. 24 hours was too much away from each other. one of the last things you said to me before I went to work that day was “I fucking miss you! I haven’t seen you in forever!” and I had JUST seen you not even 12 hours before that. 😂💔 this isn’t fair at all to lose the ONLY person that was ALWAYS happy.
She loved catfishing! She was fun! So sorry!!!
There is not enough words to describe how much you have impacted my life. These last few months with your move. The stresses, the laughter, some heartaches. you always had your head up. Ty, Amber and I are very fortunate to have had you in our lives, I told you just last week how I thought you were making me a nicer person. because Dawn (sis) was one of the nicest, kindest and funniest people I’ve ever known. I was truly truly blessed to have her in my life. I just wish I had more time with her…
and John Bolton you will forever be in my heart. calee cat…
I’m still at a loss of words Sis. I saw you about 2 weeks ago and you came running with that big beautiful smile and that laugh and a hug ! I’ve known you for 33 years and you have never changed. You were one of the happiest, kindest, loving person I have ever met. And you have a heart of gold ❤️ You lit up every room you walked in. Until we meet again my friend, I love you💔❤️
Our heartfelt condolences for Family and friends. She was such a sweet person. She will be missed by many people.
I’m so dreadfully sorry that another family member lost a child. I am unable to be with you today but know this. My heart is filled with sadness for you John, Pat and family. This is an unrecoverable loss however with help from your physician it can be managed over time. I wish I could be there and give you hugs. Thank god we have a huge family and I know you will get plenty of love. I love you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Robyn
sis, this has been a really rough 2 weeks. I miss you like crazy. was at Greg and Julie’s the other night. Vern and I went down to the lake to fish some.. ( Yep Vern went with me) Honestly I could feel your presence. Running up to me to take my fish off the pole, and you, ” saying I got it Deb, man that’s a nice one”.. I won’t go fishing another day in my life where fishing just won’t be the same now..
I loved our talks, our pool shooting nights, but mostly just hanging out.. Every time I get in my pool I think of you, because you gave me my pool.. I know that GOD had another plan for you… we will see other again my friend so keep smiling say Hi to cousin Mike Wayland. and if you see my mom and dad and baby boy, Timothy.. Give them all a big hug a kiss from me.. I love you..