Jane C. Cotner
September 25, 1915 ~ March 13, 2013
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Jane C. Cotner, born on Sept. 25, 1915, in Harrisburg, Penn., to Anna and Arthur Holman who preceded her in death. She graduated Emerson High School in Union City, New Jersey. Jane received a B.A. degree from Goucher College, Baltimore, Maryland, and a B.S. in Library Science from Columbia University, New York. She married Harold W. Cotner in 1946, and moved to Pueblo, Colo. Jane was Bookmobile Librarian for McClelland Public Library from 1950 to 1960. She retired in 1976, as Professor Emeritus from University of Southern Colorado Library. Survived by Shirley and Sherman Welborn and Robert Sumey of Pueblo. Also other nephews, nieces and cousins. Active member of former Bethel United Methodist Church and its Women's Society, the YWCA, PRSEA, UREA, Pueblo Symphony, Art Center, Historical Society and other civic groups including maintaining a large 4-H Club with her husband for 50 years. Past chairman of the Villa Pueblo Towers Resident Council. At her request, Jane's body will be given to the Colorado Anatomical Board. Memorial service, 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2013, First United Methodist Church, 310 W. 11th Street. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Jane Cotner was a part of my life in many ways. I grew up on East 7th Street which was diagonal to a dear man’s home. That man was Jane Cotner’s father. Mr. Holman. It is through him that I first got to know the Cotners. As I gained experience as a shopper, I was allowed to go into another part of the Cotners life, Cotner’s Store on 8th St. Since I grew up in the Bethel United Methodist Church, I have memories of Jane and Harold walking to church. She always dressed professionally for church and topped the outfit off with a fur stole. She smiled down from the choir loft each Sunday. I have fond memories of a slide show night for all the neighbors to view slides of Lapland that Harold and Jane took. She beamed and explained every shot with enthusiasm. I always remember her as being a nice lady who was always on the go. By the time I got to college at Southern Colorado State College, Jane was the assistant librarian. I pestered her monthly my freshman year for a student job at the library. By my sophmore year, she had found me a position. I was extremely greatful. My junior year, she nominated me as the school’s representative on the Governor’s Commission on Women. I did attend the first meeting of the group but found the job a bit overwhelming for a mathematics major; Jane understood my decision. Jane Cotner was an excellent role model to all of us coming of age in the 60’s and 70’s. She was a Christian who put her faith into action; I am blessed to have known her.
Jane was and always will be an inspiration to me. She supported our youth group at BUMC and I will always be grateful for her constant prayers and support. She was a staunch supporter of the YWCA also. I praise the Lord that I was allowed to know this wonderful lady.
It is snowing and is a blizzard here at Rye so I will not be able to come for services today. But I wanted Jane’s survivors to know how very dear she was to me, to my family, and to hundreds of 4-Her’s in Pueblo County.
I first knew Jane when I was a little girl and she was the “Bookmobile Lady.” Her encouragement brought about a life long love of books and reading. I would go each week and check out tons of books and often keep them till they were overdue. Jane didn’t know that I often didn’t read the books (I think I had a leaning disability) but I would still check them out. I loved reading but it was very hard for me. Later, to my surprise I learned the “Bookmobile Lady” was married to Harold Cotner who was a 4-H leader FOREVER. It didn’t matter if you were in their 4-H club or not, if you were a kid needing help the Cotners were there for you. They became very dear friends to my mom, Marian Elwell, and to my husband and I as fellow 4-H leaders. I know they sponsored many awards for outstanding 4-Hers especially in the area of speech and demonstration contests. If a kid didn’t have enough money for a trip or a project; money would magically appear thanks the Cotners. Though the Cotners had no children of their own, they “adopted” scores of children over several generations. This extraordinary couple recognized special events in the lives of their adopted 4-Hers, and attended countless graduations, weddings, and other celebrations. Many successful former 4-Hers attribute their success to 4-H and the leadership of Jane and Harold Cotner. After Harold’s death, Jane kept up the awards through the Pueblo County 4-H Foundation and she was awarded Outstanding Individual at Achievement Night in 2009 or 2010 I believe. Jane was a fantastic lady who set a wonderful example to all of us. We love you Jane. From Jody and Buck Griffin.