Dorothy Cottrell

Dorothy Cottrell of Caro, age 95, passed away at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community on Friday, October 24, 2025 with her loving family by her side.

Dorothy was born September 21, 1930 in Richville, daughter of the late Elmer and Augusta(Schaneck) Keinath and was a 1948 graduate of Vassar High School. Dorothy was united in marriage to Francis Cottrell of Caro on April 29, 1950. Sadly, Francis passed away September 29, 2019 after sixty-nine years of marriage. Dorothy worked primarily as a housewife and farmer alongside her husband, growing different kinds of crops and specializing in red potatoes, selling to many people around the area as well as out of state. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Caro, where she was a Sunday School and VBS teacher during her younger years and was also active in the LWML. Dorothy served as a secretary for the former Lutheran Home of Frankenmuth for many years, and worked at Gold Bond Stamp Store in Caro for seven. She was an avid golfer after taking up the sport later in life with her good friend, Linda Duncanson. Dorothy and Linda joined Greenbriar Golf Club of Mayville, and after several years of playing there, Dorothy was asked to join their traveling golf league. She thoroughly enjoyed her time playing in the league and seeing all of the beautiful golf courses in the area had to offer.

Dorothy is survived by two children and their spouses, Richard & Marilyn Cottrell of Akron, and Jane & Larry Scott of Fairgrove; three grandchildren and their spouses, Eric & Jessica Cottrell, Megan & Shane Bills, and Katie & Mark Wilson; five great-grandchildren, Blake and Brady Cottrell, Kennedy Bills, and Brooke and Claire Wilson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by eleven siblings & their spouses, Erna & Harold Schnell, Norman & Rita Keinath, Helen & Omar Miller, Florence & Hilton Bauer, Ernest & Isabelle Keinath, Harry & Lilian Keinath, Elmer & Mildred Keinath, Irene & Henry Townsend, Frances & Wilber Reif, Earl & Alice Keinath, and Lyle Keinath.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Richard Boshoven officiating. Burial will follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro. Dorothy's family will be present to receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. THE FAMILY HAS REQUESTED NO FLOWERS, PLEASE, AS A FAMILY MEMBER IS ALLERGIC. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Endowment Foundation or the charity of the donor's choice.

Dorothy's family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the caregivers and staff at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community for the exceptional care they provided Dorothy during the last seven years.