Obituary of Gertrude W. Cotton

The oldest living resident of Montgomery County, Mrs. Gertrude W. Cotton, 104, formerly of Beck Street, Fort Plain, New York died Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam. Born on August 17, 1910 in Canajoharie, NY, she was the daughter of William Wells and Nettie Mae Higgins Wells. She was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1930 and was a lifetime area resident of the Canajoharie/Fort Plain area. In 1933, Mrs. Cotton graduated from the Last Teacher's Training Class at Oneonta Normal School. Mrs. Cotton taught for 39 years at Canajoharie Central School. She taught at the former West Hill School for 27 years, which is the same school her parents and siblings went to. She was of Universalist faith. Mrs. Cotton enjoyed traveling to many different places with her husband, including Nova Scotia, spending several winters in Canada. On January 23, 1932 in East Syracuse, NY, Gertrude was married to Harold O. Cotton. He predeceased her on October 30, 2006. Together they celebrated 74 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her 7 sisters. Mrs. Cotton is survived by her sister, Florence W. Brown of East Springfield, NY; nieces, Judy Kolstad of East Springfield, NY, and Nona Becker of Fort Plain, NY. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Fort Plain Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Mrs. Gertrude W. Cotton please consider the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.