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Ellen A. Cottrell, 75, of Fort Dodge, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026, with her family by her side at Trinity Regional Hospital.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with a vigil at 5:00 PM at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Jack, children, Carl (Marianne) Cottrell of Newton, MA, Carrie (Matt) Becker of Henderson, NV; grandchildren, Chloe Cottrell, Aiden Becker, Leah Becker, Lydia Becker; brother, Father Bruce Lawler of LeMars, IA, and sister, Marcia (Pete) Cooper of Lee's Summit, MO.
Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, David J. Sr. and Irene (Meyers) Lawler, and her brother, David Lawler Jr.
Ellen was born on September 25, 1951, in Fort Dodge, IA, raised in Clare, and graduated from St. Edmond High School in 1969. The friendships she formed growing up remained among the most meaningful in her life. She cherished her beloved “Clare Bears,” and took great pride in maintaining those friendships throughout the decades.
On June 30, 1972, she married Jack Cottrell at Corpus Christi Church, beginning a marriage that would span 54 years. Together, they made their home in Fort Dodge, building a life grounded in love, family, and enduring commitment.
After completing medical transcription training at Iowa Central Community College, Ellen dedicated 45 years to her profession as a medical transcriptionist, working for Dr. Berryhill and Dr. Lee until her retirement in 2017. Her commitment to her work was matched by the commitment she demonstrated in her personal life. Ellen valued the relationships she built and believed in nurturing them through her steadfast dedication, loyalty, and care.
Ellen was never one to seek the limelight. Instead, she had a quiet way of making every conversation and gathering better simply by being part of it. She was a thoughtful presence, someone who complemented those around her and whose contributions were felt even when they weren't always the loudest in the room.
Since retiring, Ellen's greatest joy was her grandchildren, who became the center of her world. Some of the family's most cherished memories were made through time spent together, including the beloved tradition of Grandma's toy chest on family vacations. It was one of the many ways Ellen made sure her grandchildren felt special and that family time was filled with happiness and lasting memories.
Ellen showed the most meaningful contributions in life don't always come from being in the spotlight. Often, they come from simply being there, year after year, for the people who matter most.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.