Karla Gilbert Cottrell

Karla Gilbert Cottrell, born February 23, 1933 passed away September 26, 2018 of cancer, in her home, surrounded by loving family.  She was 85.  
Karla was born to Melvin Charles Gilbert and Dorothy Hall Gilbert in Logan, Utah.  She was the 2nd of 3 children.  Karla was raised as a farm girl on the family farm in Lewiston, Utah.  Farm work is where she developed her love of hard work; herding cows, hoeing beets, and riding the Derrick Horse…yeah, we didn’t know what that was either.  Look it up! This love of hard work remained with her the rest of her life.  
Karla attended school in Lewiston and developed lasting relationships lasting over 80 years.  While attending Junior High and North Cache High School, she became involved in orchestra and band programs as a drummer.  The Band instructor needed a drummer and asked her to give it a try.  She graduated from High School in 1951.  During college at the University of Utah, she met the love of her life, Jack, on the football field, as they both were drummers in the marching band.  Thank You “band teacher”!  Jack and Karla married in the Logan Temple on May 8, 1953 and have 3 children, Mark Cottrell, Jill Peay and Jan Porter.
Being an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints her whole life, kept her very busy.  In the 70’s, Karla served on the YW General Board and traveled throughout the US on speaking assignments.  Other church roles included Stake Young Women President, Ward Primary President, Relief Society President, and, one of her favorites, ward organist, from the age of 14 and continuing until she turned 77. She had a great love of being an organist.
In addition to being busy as a mom with church callings, she was the perfect partner in her marriage. She worked side by side with her husband, Jack, building and repairing everything from a cabin on the Provo River, building a home in Kayenta, and turning a cabin on Bear Lake into a dream piece of paradise.  Karla also supported Jack’s passion for scouting by serving as a den leader for many years.  
Karla’s community also benefited from her work ethic.  She was active on the Local, State and National PTA boards.  A day never went by without seeing Karla serving her family, neighbors and friends with food, visits, or just a listening ear.
Unique to Karla was her journal keeping.  She kept a faithful, everyday journal entry for 65 years, starting at age 13 until just a few days before her passing.  Family History was also part of her passions.  Karla worked on preserving stories and pictures up until her death.  She believed that the stories should live on for later generations.  
Karla’s very favorite love was her “Little Greats”.  Until the day she died, she remained an amazing mom and grandma for her entire family. 
Karla is survived by her children: Mark (Celeste) Cottrell, Fruit Heights, Utah; Jill (John) Peay, Boise, Idaho; Jan (Steve) Porter, Centerville, Utah; 11 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren with 3 on the way.  
A funeral service will be held Monday, October 1st at 11:00 am, at the Stone Creek Chapel 1476 North 300 West, Bountiful.  Friends and family may visit at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main St., Bountiful, Sunday, September 30th 6:00 pm-8:00 pm and Monday morning 9:30 am-10:30 am at the Stone Creek Chapel.
Special Thanks to the Stone Creek Ward Ministering Angels and our special Hospice nurse, Stephanie.