Patricia Ann Cotton, age 72, peacefully passed away, after a brief illness, on Thursday Sept. 3, 2009, while surrounded by her loving family.

On October 9, 1956, Pat married Billy G. Cotton and walked hand-in-hand with him for over 49 years. Today...they again walk hand-in-hand on streets of pure gold.

Pat and Billy had a long and wonderful life together and eternity promises to be even sweeter. Their union was blessed with five children, a godson, 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat's lifelong career was in nursing and she retired from the Hutchinson Hospital in 2000. After retirement, Pat focused her attention on caring for her loving Billy until God called him home in 2006. Since that time, Pat has been a full-time sister, mother, grandmother and aunt and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Willie Key, two brothers, Lee and Charles Tadlock, two sisters, Addie VanHorn and Hazel Ross, three grandchildren, a great-grandchild and her beloved husband Billy.

Her survivors include: her sisters, Opal Kerwood, Hutchinson, and Frieda Marklewitz, Wichita; her children, Billy G. Blackburn, South Hutchinson, Barbara E. Harding, Wichita, Kathy Kirby, Mt. Hope, Dorothy McAllister, Hutchinson, and Mark Cotton, South Hutchinson; a godson, Jason Wheatley, Moundridge; 18 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Strength and honour are her clothing; she opens her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is nothing but kindness. Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, he praised her! Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Pat loved the Lord and He loves her!

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Dr. Marc A. Harding presiding. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to Westside Baptist Church or Hospice of Reno County, both in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal message for the family.