Dorothy (Dottie) A. Alton - 93 of Longport, formerly of Ventnor, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2014.

Born in Wilmar, Minnesota, Dottie spent her early years in Minot, North Dakota where she graduated from Minot High School in 1939. She then worked for Montgomery Ward department store until 1942. A WW2 veteran, Dottie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and served as a clerk at Camp Lejeune, NC until her honorable discharge, with the rank of sergeant, in 1946.

While stationed at Camp Lejeune, she met the love of her life, Marine fighter pilot Ralph S. Alton, Jr. In a dual wedding ceremony, Ralph and Dottie were married along with Ralph’s brother Calvin and his wife Lavelle, fellow Marines, on April 27, 1946.

The four Marines soon opened the Dorset Guest House in Ventnor where they were owner-operators for 32 years. Many happy times were spent at the guesthouse, especially when they hosted the “Around the Island Marathon” swimmers and their families. Dottie loved to entertain and dance, especially doing the “Mummers Strut” at parties. Her passions were babies, baking, and bingo. Her warm giving spirit and her strong love of family touched all who met her.

Active in her community, Dottie enjoyed her time as a member of the Ventnor Heights Mothers Club, member and past president of the Ventnor/Margate Lions Club, and past deaconess at the Ventnor Community Church.

Dottie is predeceased by husband Ralph, parents Roy and Ana Bowman and sister Marilynn. She is survived by her brother Darrell, sister June, and her 5 children, Ralph Alton III, Ana May Burkley (John), Donna Lou Sereci (Chris), Mary Kate Messina (Frank), Roy John Alton (Ellen) 8 grandchildren, Stephanie, Kelly, Darren, Lauren, Kristen, Jake, Francesco, Giulietta, and 2 great grandchildren, Elexa and Kylie.

The family thanks her loving and compassionate caregivers, Nancy and Rachel. Dottie loved them dearly.


Visitations will be held Friday, June 27th from 6:00-8:00PM and again on Saturday, June 28th from 9:30-10:30AM followed by Funeral Service at 10:30AM at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, 1707 New Road, Linwood. Interment at Laurel Memorial Park, Egg Harbor Township.

Donations may be made to The Marine Corps League National Headquarters.

Dorothy (Dottie) A. Alton - 93 of Longport, formerly of Ventnor, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2014.

Born in Wilmar, Minnesota, Dottie spent her early years in Minot, North Dakota where she graduated from Minot High School in 1939. She then worked for Montgomery Ward department store until 1942. A WW2 veteran, Dottie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and served as a clerk at Camp Lejeune, NC until her honorable discharge, with the rank of sergeant, in 1946.

While stationed at Camp Lejeune, she met the love of her life, Marine fighter pilot Ralph S. Alton, Jr. In a dual wedding ceremony, Ralph and Dottie were married along with Ralph’s brother Calvin and his wife Lavelle, fellow Marines, on April 27, 1946.

The four Marines soon opened the Dorset Guest House in Ventnor where they were owner-operators for 32 years. Many happy times were spent at the guesthouse, especially when they hosted the “Around the Island Marathon” swimmers and their families. Dottie loved to entertain and dance, especially doing the “Mummers Strut” at parties. Her passions were babies, baking, and bingo. Her warm giving spirit and her strong love of family touched all who met her.

Active in her community, Dottie enjoyed her time as a member of the Ventnor Heights Mothers Club, member and past president of the Ventnor/Margate Lions Club, and past deaconess at the Ventnor Community Church.

Dottie is predeceased by husband Ralph, parents Roy and Ana Bowman and sister Marilynn. She is survived by her brother Darrell, sister June, and her 5 children, Ralph Alton III, Ana May Burkley (John), Donna Lou Sereci (Chris), Mary Kate Messina (Frank), Roy John Alton (Ellen) 8 grandchildren, Stephanie, Kelly, Darren, Lauren, Kristen, Jake, Francesco, Giulietta, and 2 great grandchildren, Elexa and Kylie.

The family thanks her loving and compassionate caregivers, Nancy and Rachel. Dottie loved them dearly.


Visitations will be held Friday, June 27th from 6:00-8:00PM and again on Saturday, June 28th from 9:30-10:30AM followed by Funeral Service at 10:30AM at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, 1707 New Road, Linwood. Interment at Laurel Memorial Park, Egg Harbor Township.

Donations may be made to The Marine Corps League National Headquarters.