Edna Mae (Johnson) Cotton, age 93, died peacefully on August 21, 2018. Edna was born December 20, 1924, on her parents’ ranch outside of Helena Montana, the daughter of George Johnson and Gertrude Pearce. Edna attended the Little Prickly Pear School and graduated from Helena High School. While attending elementary school Edna worked on the ranch. The work that went into the ranch provided hay, oats, beef, horses, chickens, hogs and garden products which were sold for living expenses and used for food for the family. She lost a lot of skin off her knuckles before she learned to wash clothes on a wash board. When in high school she lived in Helena; working for her room and board and very little spending money. Summer meant going home to the place she loved and helping her father with chores since her mother had passed away. Edna recorded her memories of growing up. She wrote: “You cannot bring back the past. You just enjoy the memories.”
In 1945, Edna married Roger Cotton. Roger and brother Don operated a house moving company. Edna cooked for the crew and kept the books. After Roger’s death in 1966 Edna raised their children alone. She took business college classes to increase her knowledge and skills in data processing. Edna worked for the Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services for 19 years – retiring in 1987. She was also a volunteer at the St. Peter’s Hospital Gift Shop for almost 20 years.
Edna enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, ceramics, garage sales, watching golf and baseball, especially the Braves and the Dodgers – which explained her dislike of the Yankees. She was active in Eastern Star Josephine Hepner Chapter 89, where she once held the position of Worthy Matron. Edna liked playing the banjo in a band with her friends.
Edna was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church.
Edna is survived by her daughters: Carol (Bob) Utick, Debbie (Jim) Pellegrini and, Becky (Ron) Schwenk, and her son, Dennis (Tammie) Cotton; grandchildren (Steven, Jennifer, Scott, Craig (Tranh), Laci (James), George, Brandon and Phillip); great granddaughters (McKayla, Ashlyn) and great grandson (Jesse); and other relatives and close friends, including her favorite Pomeranian (Viva Las Vegas).
Edna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roger, son George, sister Helen, and brother Ed.
The family wishes to especially thank everyone at Son Heaven who cared for her and Vegas, Frontier Hospice, and thanks to Walter Moser for his generosity.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 27th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A private family burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Edna’s name to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday August 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday August 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Diana Hall says
Cotton cousins and families, my heart goes out to all of you! Praying that the Lord puts His loving arms around you and brings comfort. My siblings send their sympathy too. Sending love and hugs!
Deena Verworn says
My thought and prayers go out to all of Edna’s family. I truly enjoyed getting to know Edna, she was a wonderful lady.
God Bless…
Barbara says
Edna May’s family owned a cabin/ranch? up Canyon Creek in the 30’s and 40’s. It was close to my grandparents’ ranch (Mehelich). The Mehelich family and the Johnson (Edna May’s maiden name) family moved to Helena. My grandparents lived on Chestnut St and at some point the Johnsons lived on Walnut St. Edna May and my mom (Dorothy Lasko) knew each other and, although not close, were always happy to run into each other. At some point my mom got a beautiful small table that Edna May said had been in their home at the ranch. After my mom died my sister (Rita) took the table and it’s now in her living room. We always refer to it as “the table that Edna May gave mom.” Although we weren’t close as families we always felt a connection…thru the table!
And, of course, Edna May’s daughter (Carol) graduated high school with me in 1964. My mom died in 2011 and it’s sad to think this generation of people who knew each other are gone or almost gone. Carol, I send you my condolences and know that this memory of your mom is a happy one for me. Barbara (Lasko) Hopper
Jacki Huff says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Diane says
Debbie, Becky, Carol and Dennis
I am so sorry to learn that your mom passed away. She was such a wonderful person and will be missed by so many people. I have such fond memories of your mom and am a better person because of knowing her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy. Diane Pedersen and family.
COLLEEN GARRETT-YOUNG says
So sorry to hear about Aunt Edna. It is the hardest thing to lose a Mom. My prayers are with you. Love Colleen
Michelle Anderson says
Thoughts and prayers always.
Tom McKinney says
All surviving children:
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Tom McKinney
an old neighbor of Butte Avenue
Nancy Sweeney Madden says
Edna was one of a group of adults that taught me how to have fun. Edna led by example, whether it was traveling the state to meetings with Job’s Daughters, dressing up for formal occasions or being silly with Buckey’s Buckeye Band. She taught me how to have fun while still being an involved, caring parent. Edna raised three queens and a son and taught me how to short-sheet a bed. My thoughts are with all the good times shared with the Cottons. Carol, Debbie, Diane and Dennis, what an incredible time we had with your Mom!
Cindy Logan says
My heart and prayers go out to your family at this time of loss. I miss visiting with Vegas and Edna every 6 to 8 weeks. I wish you nothing but fond memories of Edna.
Edna had the sweetest nature to her and Vegas loved her. Thank you for allowing me to become part of her visitors and Vegas.
Sally says
To the Family of Edna Cotton
My condolences and sympathy go out to the family. Know you are in my thoughts.