Leona “Dolly” Sawko Carlton, age 90, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at her home in Chesterland, Ohio.

 Dolly was born on February 26, 1935, in Hopedale, Ohio, the daughter of Mary (Monzula) and George William Sawko.

After graduating from Cadiz High School in 1953, she attended the Elliot School of Business in Wheeling, West Virginia. She would go on to work for the Ohio Power Company in Cadiz. In May 1956, she married John Allen Carlton Sr. Dolly taught kindergarten Sunday school at Christ Presbyterian Church in Chesterland for twenty-two years. 

Dolly enjoyed baking, tending her flowers, discussing world events, politics, and black coffee. She adored spending time with family. Dolly loved her children and grandchildren unfathomably, and will best be remembered for her impeccable memory, stories of rural life as a coal miner’s daughter, and selflessness. No matter how far the family moved, they were assured her counsel and comfort were only a phone call away. 

 She is preceded in death by parents; and her brother, George W. Sawko Jr.

Survivors include her husband, John A. Carlton Sr. of Chesterland, Ohio; three children, John A. (Tammy) Carlton Jr. of Rome, Ohio, Lori (John) Boban of Madison, Ohio, and James Carlton of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, Allen Carlton, Janel (Shane) Plats, Linda Carlton, Becky Boban, Emily Boban, and Duke (Anna) Carlton; a niece, Lisa Sawko, and nephew, William Carlton.

A graveside service, where she will be laid to rest next to her mother and father, will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Cadiz, Ohio.