Beatrice (Kelly) Cottom

COTTON (Sparta) - Beatrice Stoddard (Kelly) Cotton, age 90, was received into the presence of God and reunited with her husband, J. Richard on Saturday, November 14, 2009 while surrounded by her family. Beatrice was also preceded by a infant grandson, Jamison Lee Hyde; brothers, Charles Smith, and Charles Kelly. She was born November 24, 1918 to Marion Roy and Matilda (Stoddard) Kelly. She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen and Charles Anderson of Suwannee, GA, Mary and Wayne Hyde, Janet and Randy Baker all of Sparta; grandchildren, Matthew and Cari Anderson, Mary Catherine Anderson and her fiancé, David Albright, Richard and Angela Hyde, David and Jody Hyde, Janalee and Justin Holt, Jenelle and Randy Baker, Jillian Foxworthy; step-grandchildren, Tricia and Charles Conrad, Mindy Baker and Tom Borden, Jodie and Rodney Fish, Nathan and Abby Baker; great-grandchildren, Alissa, Emma, and Grace Anderson, Julia and Anna Hyde, Victoria, Alexandra, and Mitchell Hyde, Shaelin, Mattisen, Tristin, Adrin, and the anticipated December birth of Korbin Holt, Abigail and Olivia Monarrez; step-great-grandchildren, Maci and Rory Conrad, Jake and Tyler Borden, Allie, Ashton, Evan, and the anticipated May birth of Baby Fish; sisters-in-law, Doris Cotton, Ester Smith; many loving nieces and nephews. Beatrice attended Godfrey Lee Elementary where she caught Richard's eye in the fifth grade. They graduated from Lee High School in 1937 and continued their courtship until they married in 1941. They were true sweethearts! Beatrice started the claims department for Hartford Insurance and later worked for over 21 years in the claims department of the former Bradford Insurance Agency in Sparta. While her children were young, Beatrice enjoyed being involved in their many activities. She was a room mother, Bluebird leader, Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, chaperone, but most of all, her children's number one supporter. Beatrice had a strong faith in God since childhood, and until recent health issues, she would kneel for her daily prayers. Funeral services will b held on Tuesday, November 17, 1:00 p.m. at the Sparta United Methodist Church with Rev. Lou Grettenberger officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Sparta. Her family will receive visitors on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Funeral Home and on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Sparta United Methodist Church or The Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, MN in honor of her granddaughter, Shaelin. Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta