Nona Doll Cottrell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nona Doll Cottrell Sunday, May 24, 2026, after a lengthy and valiant battle with dementia. A beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, church and community, and her volunteerism, especially dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults.

Nona was born on October 12, 1937, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Joe and Mildred Painter. She grew up on a family ranch northwest of Buffalo, South Dakota. She was the youngest of their four children and the baby of the family. The family history of the origination of Nona's middle name came from her brother Paul. Nona's mom, Mildred said that when Nona was born, Paul commented "Oh look at mama's new dolly!" To her family she has been known as Dolly ever since.

She went to high school in Belle Fourche and continued her education at Colorado State University. She was a member of the college rodeo team, and it was there that she met fellow rodeo team member and the love of her life Virgil "Dink" Cottrell. They were married on June 29, 1958, and moved to Eads, Colorado. While living there, Nona had two children. Brad Cottrell was born in 1959, and Debbie Cottrell was born in 1961.

In 1963, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Nona grew up being active in 4-H. It didn't take her long to become involved in the local 4-H program teaching horsemanship to the kids in the area. Soon after, she became the Bernalillo County 4-H club leader and was responsible for supervising the county fair and state 4-h rodeo. Nona was a fixture at the 4-H events, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. She was a 4-h leader for 20 years and after her kids had left home, she went to work for the county extension agency for 4-H. She worked there for 10 years, finally getting paid for something that she loved! She was inducted in to the New Mexico 4-H hall of fame in 2008.

Rodeo was also a big part of Nona's world. When her children began competing in Jr rodeos, she became active in the New Mexico Jr. Rodeo association. She was the secretary of the NMJRA for many years. As secretary, she would schedule the rodeos all across the state of New Mexico, for the upcoming year. Then each week during the summer, she would take entries for the rodeo that weekend, schedule the performances and contestants, travel to the rodeo and assist in putting on the rodeo. Then on Mondays she would calculate the payoffs and mail the winners their prize money and then do it all over again the following week. Always traveling to a different town each weekend. Nona was the quintessential rodeo mom. She was a tireless supporter, and she created an open-door environment at the rodeos, that made her a second mother to so many.

Dink and Nona retired in 1995 and moved to Canyon, Texas to be close to their children and granddaughter. Nona always loved fashion and opened Prairies Edge Boutique that she ran for several years.

It also didn't Nona long to get involved in the community. She served on the Board of Directors for the Canyon Chamber of Commerce, while operating her Boutique. She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church. After moving to Canyon, she joined the 1st Methodist Church and was an active member of the church.

Nona was known for her beautiful smile and loving personality. She touched so many lives through the youth and community organizations that she was involved in, focusing on kindness and positive change.

Nona leaves a legacy that will not be soon forgotten!

Nona was preceded in death by her husband Dink Cottrell. Survivors include her children, Brad Cottrell and Debbie Cottrell, her granddaughter Shaye Albert and 3 great grandchildren, Pecos, Wiley and Gunner Albert.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to your local 4-H or other youth organizations.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.