CANDACE M. COTTON
Candace Marie Cotton, 54 of Auburn, Nebraska passed away at UNMC in Omaha on July 8, 2020 after her courageous battle of cancer over the past year. Candace was born in Auburn on March 17, 1966 to Lloyd (Vern) and Shirley (DeFreece) Cotton.
Candace graduated from Humboldt High School in Humboldt, Neb. in 1984. Candace attended Peru State College and graduated from there in May of 1988. She moved to Omaha at that time, later moving back to Auburn where she was currently employed at Good Samaritan Society.
Candace was always the life of the party everywhere she went. She did not know a stranger, especially if you were wearing Peru State Bobcat blue or Nebraska Cornhuskers red. Candace loved watching her sports teams, whether it was volleyball, basketball, baseball or football it didn’t matter. She dearly enjoyed watching her niece and neph
ews play ball and coming to visit. She always had a smile on her face, a contagious laugh and a great sense of humor.
She was a member of the Humboldt Lady Cardinals State Champion Basketball team in 1982.
Candace loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed going on vacations, and never passed up a shopping trip. She always looked forward to seeing her nephews Bradyn and Nolan on their visits to Nebraska. She especially loved watching Cassius, Zy and Knox play ball and loved having them over for sleepovers. The kids had a way of convincing her to take them shopping or out to eat. She loved hosting Christmas Eve celebrations at her house. Candace always had a love for dogs Reggie, Booh and now Sasha.
Candace is survived by brothers Bruce, Dan and wife Cheryl of Peru, Neb.; Nephews; Justin Cotton, Peru, Tim Olsen and wife Nancy of Chicago Illinois, and Cassius Cotton of Peru; Great Niece and Nephews Zy Cotton, Knox Cotton, Bradyn Olsen and Nolan Olsen. She also leaves behind a host of other family and many friends.
Candace was preceded in death by her parents Vern and Shirley Cotton, brother Terry Cotton and nephew Henry Cotton.
A Celebration of Life service was held Monday, July 13, 2020 in the Al Wheeler Activity Center at Peru State College, officiated by Reverend Corey Miller.
Readings were given by Chad Hoover, Nancy Olsen and Mike Reed.
Vocalists were Annette VonBergen, Amy McAlexader, Janell Johnson and Diana Palmerton.
Honorary bearers were Tim Olsen, Justin Cotton, Cassius Cotton, Knox Cotton, Zy Cotton, Bradyn Olsen and Nolan Olsen.
The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Peru.
Memorials in Candace’s honor may be given to Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden.
After the July 13 Celebration of Life service, people were invited to meet downtown to reminisce and share many memories of Candace.