Terry Jean Cotts, age 65, of Eau Claire, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at
Care Partners Country Terrace Memory Care.
Terry was born June 22, 1954, in Menomonie, to Richard and Betty Cotts. She was
a free and wild spirit, much like the horses she loved. She dropped out of high
school to pursue adventure for a few years and returned to Wisconsin with her
first born, Jennifer. She met up with a fine young fella, Rolland Melsness, got
married, and had another daughter, Michelle. Once her girls were in school, she
chased her dreams, obtained her GED and made it through nursing school. After
graduating in 1985, she started working at Sacred Heart Rehab. She spent her free
time doing what she loved the most; gardening, crocheting and spending time
with her family and all the stray animals that showed up on her doorstep. She
later realized her true calling was with geriatrics and spent the rest of her career
working in nursing homes, giving the best possible care and establishing
friendships with her patients. Once her declining health made her become a
nursing home resident, she still tried to care for those around her and tell the
nurses how to do their job. She had a wonderful camaraderie with the residents
and staff at Inclusa, Oakwood Villa and CPCT Memory Care.
Terry is survived by her daughters: Jennifer Kramer and Michelle (Sean) Timm; her
grandchildren: Madeline Conner, Elizabeth Conner, Phaedra McDougall, Natasia
McDougall, Jocelyn Kramer, Christopher Kramer; her great-grandbabies: Owen
and Aubrey Conner; her sister Joy Green; nephew and niece: Jammie (Sara)
Lightle and Becky (Matt) Baker.
Terry was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Ellen Lightle, niece
Missy May Lightle-Hathaway and Pepper, her favorite and first of many animals
that she cared for.
A celebration of life will be held at a later time for family. Family and friends may
leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.
