Ronald Dwaine Cottrell, 73, of Boise, ID passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, January 7, 2022.
Born in Nyssa, Oregon, September 23, 1948 to Melvin and Ruth Cottrell, who have both passed. He is survived by his four sisters: Sharon, Doreen, Lois and Kathy; his son, Gene Dwaine Cottrell, daughter, L. Kay Cottrell, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ron graduated from Nyssa High School in 1966 and married his high school sweetheart, LaRee John. Ron and LaRee lived in the Caldwell, Boise and Parma areas before moving to Walla Walla, Washington. During those first years they welcomed Gene and then Kay. They were later divorced.
Eventually, he finished building his chopper motorcycle and gave into the call of the road and spent the next few years on his chopper traveling the Northwest and beyond. During these travels, while he was in Wyoming, he met the love of his life, his soulmate, Barbara (Bobbi) Stuker Hinson. The lessons he learned growing up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints flooded back to him as he taught her the gospel. They were married on November 8, 1980. A few short months after their marriage, Bobbi was taken in a tragic accident. It took over 20 years but Ron succeeded in having Bobbi sealed to him for time and all eternity in the Boise Idaho Temple.
He settled in Boise where he spent the next forty years, expressing his opinion, of which he had so many. While in Boise, Ron was befriended by Leslie Edwards and her two children, Sarah and Aaron. They became part of his family whom he came to love very much. Sarah later had a daughter, Tehya, who loved Ron and called him her “Poppa” and he loved her immensely. Just a few short years before his death, Tehya, gave birth to her daughter, Silver, whom Ron thought of as his great-granddaughter and he fell in love with her too. Aaron also added five children who expanded this family. The family is forever grateful to Leslie and her family for the years of love and support they offered Ron, especially as he aged. Through this great man, two families are now knitted together forever.
He taught the gospel to whomever would listen and brought quite a few friends to the gospel and to the church.
Ron spent the last fifteen years in extreme pain. He completely disliked his body betraying him and definitely found growing older over rated.
Ron was a storyteller, regaling anyone who would listen to the hundreds of stories he shared. From his boyhood bailing hay in Nyssa to his many years of life on the road and running rides in a carnival in Reno, Nevada, his stories where related from his heart. He was also quick to volunteer when someone needed a hand and never stayed in the back.
He will be missed, his light will be missed. His family and friends will always carry with them a story or two, shared with them by this incredible man.
The family would like to thank all those who participated in Dad’s care over the past few years. There are too many to list, but your efforts were not lost on us. From his medical care givers, to his home care providers and family members who take him back and forth to doctor appointments; thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
He is finally out of pain and home where he wanted to be, with his beloved Bobbi by his side.