Elizabeth L Cottrell

Betty passed peacefully at the end of her life's journey down Alzheimer's Lane.  Born 1933 to her parents Paul Jeramiah and Harriet Frances Ward in Ottumwa (The Land of Rippling Waters) Iowa.

Preceded in death by her two younger brothers, Thomas and James P. Ward as well as her parents.  Betty is survived by her husband William, three Nephews, Thomas W. Cottrell and wife Chris of Bellevue, WA, Timothy L. Cottrell and wife Suone Cotner of Seattle,WA and David P. Ward of Plano, Texas; thre Nieces, Elizabeth (Ward) Cudworth, Ottumwa. Iowa, KElly (Ward) Scheller and Christine L. Ward, both of St. Louis, Missouri.

Betty attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for her freshman year and then returned to Ottumwa, Iowa to complete her two year degree at Ottumwa Heights College.  She then found work in the accounting section of John Deer manufacturing company in Ottumwa.

Migrating to Seattle, Washington in 1955 to enjoy the more milder climate.  She found work primarily as a Receptionist and Statistical typist at which she spent most of her working career.

Betty met her future husband, William, in Seattle and they married in 1966.  Their happy marriage lasted 51 years plus.  They settled in West Seattle where she enjoyed gardening and belonged to the American Rhododendron Society as well as a local ladies garden group.  She also enjoyed golfing with her husband and the ladies at Rainier Golf and Country Club.

As a result of her youngest brother, Jim, being diagnosed with Early On-set Alzheimer's Disease, Betty volunteered to participate in a University of Washington Alzheimer's Disease Research project.  After 13 years of annual testing, Betty was designated as having a "mild cognative impairment".  Later that was designated as Alzheimer's Disease.  Betty's decline continued for another 8 years terminating April 15, 2018.  Betty donated her brain to Alzheimer's Disease research.

Graveside services will be held at Holyrood Catholic cemetery Tuesday, June 5, 1018 at 2:00 p.m.  Father Oakland, Pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle will preside.

Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

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