1928
Lois
2015
Lois Cotton
July 7, 1928 — January 19, 2015
Lois Mae Cotton, 86 passed away peacefully in her home on January 19th while in the loving care of her granddaughters Autumn and Jamie. Lois knew she was very loved and expressed her gratefulness for all of the visitors, phone calls and cards from her friends and family during the two weeks prior to her passing. The overwhelming support and kind words that Lois received showed how loved and respected she was by so many. Our family thanks each and everyone of you for reaching out to her during her time of need.
Lois was born in Appleton Wisconsin on July 7, 1928, the daughter of Willis and Florence (Merness) Stroebe. She was the oldest and had one younger sister. Lois married Richard W. Cotton on February 22, 1947 and remained true to her vows even after his passing in 1990. Together they owned and operated a restaurant until Richard changed careers. Lois eventually began working as a private home health caretaker until she retired at the age of 78. She was a hard worker and always believed in supporting herself. She never wanted to be a burden on others so she worked hard to take care of herself and her family.
Richard and Lois "Mumsy" had eight children, 3 sons and 5 daughters. Lois truly had an unconditional love for all of her children and spent time with them often throughout the years. They always enjoyed playing cards, shopping or just going out for a special dinner. Prior to retirement Lois and her daughters would frequently rent a room at a hotel just to have a place to gather together and spend quality time with one another. Another favorite activity with her daughters was taking them to church with her. She loved praising the Lord with her children by her side. Her children were very important and special to her and this past week she continually expressed how much she loved each one of them.
Lois "Gramsy or Grams" has 14 grandchildren and after her grandson Ashton and Elaine had their daughter Ally on January 13th this past week, she officially has 32 great-grandchildren. Lois took great pride in her family and loved them all so much. A month ago she lost her grandson Abraham and even though she had just gotten out of the hospital and was still recovering, she made the trip to say her goodbyes to him because he was very special to her. Each and every grandchild and great-grandchild was very special and important to her. She was also important to all of her grandchildren. This summer her granddaughter Rebecca will get married and even though grandma can't be there physically, Rebecca has plans to include her so that we feel her there with us spiritually. She really was more than just a grandmother to many of her grandchildren and actually played a large part in raising some of them.The lessons Grandma Lois taught and the love she showed will always be cherished and remembered.
Lois was an active member at Wautoma Assembly of God (Crossroads Family Church). She expressed her devotion to the Lord through active fellowship and ongoing involvement with her church family. Her faith and personal relationship with Jesus impacted her character and how she lived her life. She was a giving woman, strong and supportive to all who needed her even when she was struggling to meet her own emotional and financial needs. She trusted in the Lord that he would always provide what she needed and lead her in the right direction. This is why she did not fear the end. Lois told her granddaughter Autumn shortly before her passing, "I'm ready and excited to be with Jesus, of course I will miss all of you, but I'm ready and I know I am going to a much better place".
Lois is preceded in death by: Abraham Ace (Grandson), Kyah Meltz (Great-Granddaughter), Virginia Scott (Sister), James Cotton (Son), John Cotton (Son), David Cotton (Son), Richard W. Cotton (Husband), Florence Stroebe (Mother), Willis Stroebe (Father). Lois is survived by her 5 daughters: Susan Cotton, Daphne Cerveny, Deborah Hamilton, Melinda Cotton, Elizabeth Cotton. Also by 13 Grandchildren and their spouses; Angel (Leo) Atencio , Anthony Ace, Ahava (Jerry) Christen, Audra (Fred) Haas, Ashton (Elaine) Ace, Dawn (Ryan) Condon, Rebecca Cerveny, Autumn (John) Ristau, Richard (Jamie) Cotton, Peter (Nicole) Grande, Matthew Grande, David (Erin) Meltz, Jeremy Simon. In addition she is survived by 32 Great-Grandchildren.
We would like to have friends and family help us celebrate Lois's life. Please join us for a memorial service at Crossroads Family Church (640 S. Water Street) on Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 PM. Lois requested a celebration and nothing fancy so we would like to keep things casual and would prefer people to avoid the color black if possible. The family and church are providing a meal to follow.
A special thanks Pastor Dan Carlson and Crossroads Family Church for supporting our family during this time and providing a place to have a memorial service. Thank you to Affinity Hospice Care who went above and beyond in helping me provide care to my grandmother and for extending grief counseling services to my family. Thanks to Likeness Funeral Home for understanding the financial situation and working with us on the services so that we can truly have Lois rest in peace. Lastly, thank you so much to all of Lois's friends. You all made her feel so loved and special during her final days with us.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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Lois was born in Appleton Wisconsin on July 7, 1928, the daughter of Willis and Florence (Merness) Stroebe. She was the oldest and had one younger sister. Lois married Richard W. Cotton on February 22, 1947 and remained true to her vows even after his passing in 1990. Together they owned and operated a restaurant until Richard changed careers. Lois eventually began working as a private home health caretaker until she retired at the age of 78. She was a hard worker and always believed in supporting herself. She never wanted to be a burden on others so she worked hard to take care of herself and her family.
Richard and Lois "Mumsy" had eight children, 3 sons and 5 daughters. Lois truly had an unconditional love for all of her children and spent time with them often throughout the years. They always enjoyed playing cards, shopping or just going out for a special dinner. Prior to retirement Lois and her daughters would frequently rent a room at a hotel just to have a place to gather together and spend quality time with one another. Another favorite activity with her daughters was taking them to church with her. She loved praising the Lord with her children by her side. Her children were very important and special to her and this past week she continually expressed how much she loved each one of them.
Lois "Gramsy or Grams" has 14 grandchildren and after her grandson Ashton and Elaine had their daughter Ally on January 13th this past week, she officially has 32 great-grandchildren. Lois took great pride in her family and loved them all so much. A month ago she lost her grandson Abraham and even though she had just gotten out of the hospital and was still recovering, she made the trip to say her goodbyes to him because he was very special to her. Each and every grandchild and great-grandchild was very special and important to her. She was also important to all of her grandchildren. This summer her granddaughter Rebecca will get married and even though grandma can't be there physically, Rebecca has plans to include her so that we feel her there with us spiritually. She really was more than just a grandmother to many of her grandchildren and actually played a large part in raising some of them.The lessons Grandma Lois taught and the love she showed will always be cherished and remembered.
Lois was an active member at Wautoma Assembly of God (Crossroads Family Church). She expressed her devotion to the Lord through active fellowship and ongoing involvement with her church family. Her faith and personal relationship with Jesus impacted her character and how she lived her life. She was a giving woman, strong and supportive to all who needed her even when she was struggling to meet her own emotional and financial needs. She trusted in the Lord that he would always provide what she needed and lead her in the right direction. This is why she did not fear the end. Lois told her granddaughter Autumn shortly before her passing, "I'm ready and excited to be with Jesus, of course I will miss all of you, but I'm ready and I know I am going to a much better place".
Lois is preceded in death by: Abraham Ace (Grandson), Kyah Meltz (Great-Granddaughter), Virginia Scott (Sister), James Cotton (Son), John Cotton (Son), David Cotton (Son), Richard W. Cotton (Husband), Florence Stroebe (Mother), Willis Stroebe (Father). Lois is survived by her 5 daughters: Susan Cotton, Daphne Cerveny, Deborah Hamilton, Melinda Cotton, Elizabeth Cotton. Also by 13 Grandchildren and their spouses; Angel (Leo) Atencio , Anthony Ace, Ahava (Jerry) Christen, Audra (Fred) Haas, Ashton (Elaine) Ace, Dawn (Ryan) Condon, Rebecca Cerveny, Autumn (John) Ristau, Richard (Jamie) Cotton, Peter (Nicole) Grande, Matthew Grande, David (Erin) Meltz, Jeremy Simon. In addition she is survived by 32 Great-Grandchildren.
We would like to have friends and family help us celebrate Lois's life. Please join us for a memorial service at Crossroads Family Church (640 S. Water Street) on Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 PM. Lois requested a celebration and nothing fancy so we would like to keep things casual and would prefer people to avoid the color black if possible. The family and church are providing a meal to follow.
A special thanks Pastor Dan Carlson and Crossroads Family Church for supporting our family during this time and providing a place to have a memorial service. Thank you to Affinity Hospice Care who went above and beyond in helping me provide care to my grandmother and for extending grief counseling services to my family. Thanks to Likeness Funeral Home for understanding the financial situation and working with us on the services so that we can truly have Lois rest in peace. Lastly, thank you so much to all of Lois's friends. You all made her feel so loved and special during her final days with us.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
PDF Printable Version
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