Melinda Cottrill

Melinda was born on an early spring day in the northern Michigan town of Cadillac. The date was March 3, 1948, and her proud parents were Dayton and Mirl (Dennis) Gumper.

The years flew by, and almost before they knew it, Dayton and Mirl’s beautiful baby girl had grown into a young woman. Melinda attended classes at Gull Lake High School, and graduated in 1966.

One evening not long after graduation, Melinda was out strolling around town with some friends. They ran into a group of young men who were street racing, and soon struck up a conversation. Although she didn’t know it at the time, one of the young men would change Melinda’s life forever – Doug Cottrill. Melinda and Doug started dating, and as time went by they fell in love. The happy couple was married on August 16, 1969, in Richland, Michigan.

Over the years, Melinda and Doug were blessed by the births of three children: Melissa, Matthew, and Nathan. Melinda was a wonderful mother, who devoted herself to caring for her children. She was also an excellent cook, and the whole family looked forward to her home-made dinners.

As their children grew older and left the nest one by one, Melinda and Doug had more time to devote to their own hobbies and interests. Melinda had a green thumb, and enjoyed working in her garden. She also loved going to garage sales, and never missed a chance to add to her collections of angels and chickens. When they had the chance to travel, Melinda and Doug often chose to visit Traverse City, Michigan.

Melinda was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Melinda A. Cottrill passed away on June 23, 2012, at the age of 64. Her family includes her husband, Doug; her children, Melissa (Larry) Cottrill of Kalamazoo, Matthew (Diane) Cottrill of Otsego, and Nathan (Amy) Cottrill of Davison; and her grandchildren, Mikaila, Caitlin, Alayna, Gabriel, Grace, and Mckenzie.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 2, from 1-2 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). Melinda will be buried at the West Cooper Cemetery at 2 p.m. Please visit Melinda’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hillside Learning Center.