Laura J. Cottrell, age 80, of Dover, Ohio, died Thursday afternoon, September 25, 2025, in the Amberwood Manor at New Philadelphia.
She was born October 31, 1944, in Akron, OH and was the daughter of the late Gerald D. and Mary (Floyd) Ervin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three grandsons, Brian Scott Cottrell, II, Brandon Williamson, and Zack McMann, a great-granddaughter, Aurora James, six brothers, Danny Neselroad, Chuck Miller, Paul Miller, Jimmy Miller, Bill Ervin, and Ronnie Ervin, and a sister, Ruth Ballard.
Laura worked various jobs throughout her life including a security agent for both the former Hill’s and K-Mart Department Stores, a bartender at the Moose Club, and a cook at the former Kinser Lanes. Most recently, she spent ten years delivering newspapers for the Times-Reporter. She enjoyed bowling, having participated in Leagues both at Kinser (now Wabash Lanes) and Boulevard Lanes. She was a voracious reader who particularly enjoyed romance novels and Western stories. She anxiously looked forward to her weekly venture to Dee’s Restaurant with her family. Her special joy came from spending many hours with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by a son, Brian Scott Cottrell of New Philadelphia, five daughters, Dawn Festi and Tracy Allison, both of New Philadelphia, Mrs. Stephanie (Clay) Lamberson of Berlin Center, OH, Kelly McMann of Kent, OH, and Mindy Dixon of Oregon a brother, William (Debbie) Miller of St. Petersburg, Florida, sixteen grandchildren and 27 great- grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 P.M., Friday, October 3, 2025, in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with Rev. Andrew Kohr officiating. Following cremation, her ashes will be interred in the Cottrell-Greathouse Family Cemetery near Mineral City. Calling hours will be held Friday from 5:00 P.M. until time of services at 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.
Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com
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