Mary M. Kotila

Mary M. Kotila, age 86, of Lancaster, formerly of Beetown, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. She was born on September 30, 1927, in Mohawk, MI, the daughter of Gus and Esther (Kero) Simila.

Mary was a loving mother who cared deeply about her family and greeted everyone with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She kept up with her longtime friends though letter writing. Mary was a devoted member of the Beetown United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Erickson; son-in-law, Kenny Carlson; a granddaughter, Nova Emmel and her daughters, Carly and Allison Emmel; a grandson, Sam (Kory) Carlson, and their daughter, Aralyn; a sister, Mayme Jurmu; and nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husbands, Earl Erickson and LeRoy Kotila; a daughter, Beverly Carlson; and her siblings: Esther, Martha, Arthur, Edwin, Charlie, Uno, Oiva, and Eino.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 15, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Beetown United Methodist Church with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Friends called on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.