Dortha Lee Cottrill

Dortha Lee "Dot" Cottrill, a cherished matriarch, beloved educator, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully at her home in Coweta, OK, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the age of 96 years. She was born on March 3, 1928, in Coalgate, OK to James Clayton and Muriel Rose (Gray) Reddell. Dot's life was marked by her dedication to family, faith, and education.

Dot was a proud graduate of Stilwell High School in Stilwell, OK. Her passion for learning led her to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, where she earned her master's degree in Elementary Education. She devoted 25 years to teaching 2nd grade at Coweta Public Schools, shaping the lives of countless young minds with her wisdom and kindness. Even after her retirement, Dot continued to serve her community by volunteering at the Broken Arrow Hospital and later at Saint Francis Hospital South, where she dedicated 30 years of compassionate volunteer work.

A lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Coweta, Dot's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She found joy in reading her Bible daily and was honored to prepare communion every Sunday. Her love for the church was only matched by her love for her family, whom she guided with a loving, feisty, and loyal spirit.

Dot's legacy is carried on by her loving daughter, Leah Kay Linduff; her adoring grandchildren, Jessica Lea Mayes, John Andrew Cottrill, Veronica Anne Mayes, Heather Leigh Cottrill, and Carlos Dayne Mayes IV; her cherished great-grandchildren, Zachary Cole Mayes, Paige Nicole Cottrill, Daniel Scott Doan, Madison Anne Doan, Grayson Andrew Cottrill, Desiree Elise Mayes, Haxton Lyon Mayes, and Sophia Maria Lea Mayes; her great-great-grandchildren, Jace Brandon Mayes, Silas Cole Mayes, Kelilah Adell Mayes, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of Vienna Mayes.

Dot was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bobbie Leon Cottrill; her son, Johnny "Bob" Cottrill; her parents, James Clayton and Muriel Rose Reddell; and her siblings, Eva Rose Gore, Maxine Driesel, Franka Exendine, Phyllis Nolan, James Clayton Reddell, Jr., and Billie Ruth Sanders.

Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as she was an active member of the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association in the Northeast District. Dot's influence as an educator and community member will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Dortha will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Adair Cemetery in Adair, OK.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Dortha Lee Cottrill has entrusted her care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.