Wilma Cottrell

Wilma Grace Parker, the daughter of George Baker Parker and Angie Merl (Osborn) Parker, was born October 28, 1920 in Corydon, Iowa. Wilma graduated from Murray High School in 1938, where she received her Normal Training Teaching Certificate. Following graduation, she taught in Clarke County country schools for a short time. On January 14, 1939, Wilma and Glen Eldon Cottrell were united in marriage in Osceola, Iowa. A son, Norman, and two daughters, Berniece and Janet, were born to bless this union. The couple was married 69 years until Glen’s death in 2008.
Wilma and Glen lived and farmed in Clarke County from 1939 to 1950. The family then moved to a farm located in Union County until retiring to Creston in 1981. She has resided in the Exira Care Center the last several years. Wilma was a homemaker and farm wife. She volunteered her time by serving as a member of VFW Post No.1797 Auxiliary. She was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the church Ladies Aide.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and a son-in-law, Francis Muhr. She was also preceded in death by three brothers: G. Lee Parker, J. Lyle Parker and Donald Parker; two sisters: Mildred Parker and Margaret Moore; three sisters-in-law: Edna Parker, Joyce Parker and Christine Parker and a brother-in-law, Ivan Moore.
Left to cherish Wilma’s memory is her son, Norman (wife Nancy) Cottrell of Creston, her two daughters: Berniece Muhr of Audubon, Iowa and Janet (husband Larry) Pool of Des Moines, Iowa; her 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Wilma is also survived by a brother, L. Richard “Dick” (wife Bertha) Parker of Des Moines, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Lucy Parker of Rhode Island and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn.