Rhonda Sue Cotton's Obituary
Rhonda Sue Cotton,65, passed away at home Monday September 18, 2017. Mom went to Washougal High School where she met Dad. In dad’s senior year of college dad realized she was a keeper and they were married September 3rd, 1971. Mom, even though she was not a student at WSU, she was a loyal cougar fan and enjoyed many Wazzu sporting events but especially football games even after Dad graduated. In 1973, they found life taking them east, to Washington DC to work for the FBI for a while. After a long evening of work they could be found enjoying hot Krispy Kremes as they rolled out fresh on the assembly line. It was a well deserved treat on the way home. In 1975 they came back to the west coast and in 1976, mom welcomed the best anniversary gift ever, their daughter Kim. A few years later their son Jeff came in November of 1979. In 1987 she went to work for Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs as Conference Coordinator. A job she loved and did well. In 2002 she found a new love in her life and her first grandson, Gavin David was born. She enjoyed being Grandma and insisted that Gavin was never to go day care as she was going to be the one to take care of him while his parents were working. A true blessing. Mom enjoyed doing things for her family including talking Dad into making a rocking horse for Gavin. That rocking horse will last forever and weighs about 50 lbs but built with so much joy and love. In 2004 she learned she was going to be grandma again, shortly after that news she decided it was time to retire and enjoy life and her growing family. Ethan Eugene was welcomed in January 2005. As soon as spring hit, mom was ready to pack dad and the grandsons up and off they went in their RV for a trip to the beach property or fishing in Montana. She loved the outdoors and used every travel opportunity as teaching moments for her grandsons which included geography, geology, history as well as to respect and love the outdoors but still allowing time for Grandpa to teach them how to fish. A few years later another travel and fishing buddy was born. Joel Matthew arrived February 14th 2009. Mom loved to travel with her family and was always wanting to plan the next trip with them weither it was by airplane or in their RV.
Mom was able to watch the Cougs beat Oregon State 52-26 and the Seahawks beat the 49er’s 12-9 before her passing the next morning.
She is survived by her loving husband, David Cotton, Daughter, Kim Koston and Son, Jeff Cotton, Son-in-Law, Gary Koston and Grandsons, Gavin, Ethan and Joel.
The Celebration of Life will be at 2pm on Friday the 29th of Sept at Manitou Park Presbyterian Church. 6613 South Chyenne St in Tacoma.
What’s your fondest memory of Rhonda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rhonda?
Share a story where Rhonda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rhonda you’ll never forget.
How did Rhonda make you smile?