Mary Frances Cogar Nottingham, age 81, of South Amherst, Ohio, passed away Friday, February 12, 2016, at University Hospital Elyria Medical Center, following a brief illness.
Born September 3, 1934, at Campbelltown, she was a daughter of the late Ed and Pearl Poage. Following the death of her parents, she was raised by foster parents, the late Ralph and Thelma Perry.
Mary was a 1953 graduate of Marlinton High School, where she played basketball. Known as “Tootles,” to friends and family, she always looked forward to attending her class reunions during the annual Pioneer Days festival in July.
She was a warm and loving mother who always put her children first. She was a kind and generous friend to all she met. Mary was self employed, selling ceramics at Jamie’s Flea Market for 21 years, retiring in 1997. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering at several area nursing homes, including Sprenger Retirement Centers, Wesleyan Village and Amherst Hospital. In 2007 she was named volunteer of the year at Sprenger Retirement Centers. She was always giving of herself and her time.
Mary was an avid Cleveland Indians fan, attending spring training in Florida and Arizona. She enjoyed traveling, particularly going to Hawaii, Alaska, Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as taking several cruises. As a NASCAR enthusiast, her favorite drivers were Kyle, Busch and anyone who beat Brad Keselowski. In addition to professional sports, Mary followed college sports, especially the West Virginia Mountaineers.
In addition to her parents and fosters parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Russell Clark Nottingham; and several brothers and sisters. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Stephen Nottingham, and wife, Gloria, of Lexington, South Carolina; a daughter, Maralea “Marty” Cole, and husband, Richard, of Elyria, Ohio; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her cat, Minnie; a sister, Betty Brewer, and husband, Edward, of California; granddaughter Rhonda; great- granddaughter Adrianna; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and a special gambling buddy, Harry Cole, Jr.
Funeral service was February 16 at Hempel Funeral Home in Amherst, Ohio. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, in Marlinton, April 15.
Memorials may be made to Friendship APL, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035.
Online condolences may be made at www.hempelfuneralhome.com
