Joan Marie Cottrell

June 7, 1943 - January 6, 2021

Joan Marie Cottrell was born on June 7, 1943 in West Los Angeles, California. She was the youngest child born to Maynard and Lillian (Ukkestad) Larsen. She had two sisters, Kathy and Eleanor, with whom she shared a bond that lasted throughout their lifetimes. Joan passed away on January 6, 2021. She was a mother to four children. The happiest times of her life were spent traveling the country with her husband, Edward Cottrell (Junior), and their family. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, Scrabble, Kevin Costner films and ‘her shoot-em-ups’ Westerns; Sean Connery and Anthony Hopkins were ‘her men’. She was an avid yard sale shopper and kept the tidiest home. She loved rabbits and proudly displayed bunny décor. She had a basket of rocks that were acquired through her travels, or as gifts from loved ones, and would often critique the rocks – pressing them to her face to feel their coolness. She was a fan of the Lemon Drop candies and the carnation was her favorite flower. Joan made dishes that were particularly special to her family, and our most favorite meals were her: Mac-n-Cheese, Burrito Meat, Enchiladas and Chicken Divan. She shared her recipes with her children and grandchildren, and they will continue to be passed along. She is survived by her son, Steven Bell; daughter, Deanna Sanders and her husband Patrick; son, John Cottrell and his wife Amber, all of Muskogee, OK; her grandchildren, Kristen Bell of Raeford, NC, Kelin Stratton (Bell) and her husband Scott, of Muskogee, OK, Ashley Gilbert of Muskogee, OK, Brandon Cottrell of Muskogee, OK, Jada Morgan (Bell) of Fayetteville, NC, Josh Gilbert of Muskogee, OK, Steven A. Bell and his partner Adrianna Darden of Tulsa, OK, Ian Cottrell of Muskogee, OK, and Mackenzie Cottrell of Muskogee, OK; great-grandchildren, Eden Dennis-Stratton, Killian Stratton, Willa Bell, Declan Stratton and Naomi Bell. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and sisters; her husband, Junior Cottrell; her son, James Cottrell; and her beloved pets, Cooper, Maggie and Charlie. The family would like to express their gratitude to LaWanda Armstrong who dedicated so much of her time providing compassionate care to Joan in her time of need. Joan’s legacy lives on through the hearts and memories of those who will always love her. A celebration of Joan’s life will be 1pm, Monday, January 18, 2021 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Wren Stratton officiating.