Elsie S. Dotson

Elsie Soule Dotson (Neuens), age 87, of Morris, Connecticut, passed away May 18, 2025, after a short illness.

Elsie and her twin sister Jacklyn were born in Alpine, Texas, to Jack Neuens of Medora, North Dakota, and Esther Soule of Kent, Connecticut. Her early years were spent at the Fort Davis Indian Lodge within the Davis Mountains State Park in Texas. Her family moved to Milford, Connecticut, where she worked the family's Rancho-Del-Camino Riding Stable and Rodeo on Post Road and then at the Red Horse Ranch in Kent, Connecticut. She graduated from Milford High School in 1956. An avid equestrian, Elsie competed in gymkhana, show ring, and competitive trail riding, as well as performed trick riding. As a champion competitive trail rider with her beloved horse "JW", they completed over 3000 endurance miles together.

Elsie worked at northwest Connecticut Post Offices and retired as a relief Postmaster. She was a member of the Taghhannuck Grange No. 100 in Sharon, Connecticut, and the Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Association (ECTRA). Known as the "Pathfinder," Elsie created, maintained, and rode trails in northwest Connecticut and upstate New York. If not in the woods, she was line dancing, kayaking, cross country skiing, or volunteering.

She is survived by her twin sister, a son and daughter, two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Elsie's wishes were to not have a memorial service, rather that her loved ones walk a trail in the woods or be kind to an animal in her memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to your local horse or animal rescue organization. There will be a private burial in Medora, North Dakota.

Published by The Citizen on Jun. 1, 2025