Karen Diane (Mullen) Cottrell

Karen Diane Cottrell, nee Mullen, of Steelville, MO passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Nevada at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 8 days. She was born August 4, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri to John and Leona Schroeder Mullen.

Karen grew up in South St. Louis graduating from Bishop DeBourg High School.  She attended college at Loretto Heights College which is now Regis College in Denver, CO. After coming back to her home area in St. Louis, she met William R. “Bob” Cottrell and fell in love. On August 22, 1964, in St. Louis, Karen was united in marriage to Bob and to this union five children were born. After Karen and Bob were married, Karen was a substitute teacher for the Steelville Schools for a few years and worked for a couple of years at the Crawford County Social Services office and at the U.S. Census Bureau. Later, she and Bob bought a farm in 1979 and went into business for themselves building the Huzzah Valley Stables and resort business. What began as a few campsites and canoes quickly grew into a favorite vacation spot known as Huzzah Valley Resort attracting visitors from far and wide. During this time, Karen also was employed at the USDA/ASCS/-FSA office as the program assistant manager retiring in the early 2000’s.

Karen was a long-time member of St. Michaels Church serving in different capacities and a member of the Parish Council of Crawford County. She spent many hours volunteering for the community whether it was as President of the Steelville Chamber of Commerce and active member or helping at the Steelville Food Pantry or Golden Echoes. She was also president of the MO RV Park & Campground Association for 2 years and a member & supporter of the Missouri Canoe & Floater Assoc.

Karen was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; John and Leona Mullen; her husband, Bob Cottrell; son-in-law, Stephan Bass; brother-in-law, Bill Pope; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cletis and Marie Cottrell; and sister-in-law, Geraldine (Dave) Markel.

She is survived by her children, Holly Cottrell, Julie Bass, Corey (fiancé, Katie Hoefer) Cottrell and Colin (Casi) Cottrell, all of Steelville, MO and Karey (Tack) Louthan of Elbert, CO; one sister, Rosemary Pope of Desoto, MO; brother-in-law, Jim (Joyce) Cottrell of Cherryville, MO; ten grandchildren, Brendan Robert Bass, Hannah Mae Cottrell, Cayman Rebecca Cottrell, Trent Alexander Bass, Chase William Cottrell, Cale Benjamin Cottrell, Warner John Cottrell, William Riley Franz, Cameron Creek Cottrell and Rein Elizabeth Louthan; two step-grandchildren, Wyatt and Lexi Harris; nephews and nieces, Erik (Angie) Pope, Andrea (Terri) Pope, Tim Pope, Lance (Jodie) Cottrell and Shannon (Lance) Harmon; other relatives; and many friends.

The Family received friends from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Steelville, MO with Father Dan Lueckenotte officiating. Music was played and sung by Karin West. Readers were Hannah Cottrell and Cayman Cottrell with Bob Bell as lector of patricians. Serving at the altar were Louis Werner and Michael Pendleton.

Committal prayer and interment were in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Leasburg, MO.

Honored to be casket bearers were Brenden Bass, Trent Bass, Chase Cottrell, Cale Cottrell, Warner Cottrell, Erik Pope and Tim Pope with Riley Franz and Cameron Cottrell as honorary.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

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