Richard Cotten

Jul. 3, 1955 - Jul. 12, 2026

Date of Service: Jul. 18, 2026

RUPERT – Richard William Cotten passed peacefully into a long-awaited reunion with his father and brothers on July 12, 2026, after a ten-year battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, hard work, quiet generosity, and humor that will continue through his family and all who knew him.

Richard was born on July 3, 1955, in Farmington, New Mexico. Richard spent his formative years in Phoenix, Arizona, while also spending many cherished days with his grandparents in Holbrook, Arizona. In Arizona Richard enjoyed exploring the desert, swimming, basketball, and competitive rifle shooting.

Before Richard’s junior year of high school his family left the Phoenix Valley for the Magic Valley to grow potatoes. Richard came well equipped for his new life in Rupert with a Dodge pickup that had amazing air conditioning but no heater. Moving to Idaho proved pivotal. It introduced him to lifelong friends and a way of life that shaped the man he became. If there was a better place to live than Rupert, Richard wasn’t aware of it.

Richard graduated from Minico High School in 1973 and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anaheim, California. His mission was a treasured experience for him and he loved sharing mission stories with his children. After returning home he attended one semester at Utah Valley Community College before earning his degree from Kamima Technical Institute.

In 1980 Richard met a cowgirl who drove a spud truck and lived just a couple of miles away from him that he managed to overlook (probably because she was out of his league). After weeks of courting, Richard married Aletha Bird in the Logan Utah Temple on September 11,1980. Richard loved Aletha deeply and showed his affection through a steady dose of teasing. Aletha’s welfare and happiness were two of Richard’s greatest pursuits and the final thoughts on his mind as he left this life.

Richard farmed with his father and brother Roger until the bank convinced him that he needed a new career. Thereafter, he helped construct the Deseret Grain Silos in Cassia County, milked cows, and drove truck. Eventually Richard began a career in fresh potato packing with Mart Produce in Rupert. Richard spent nearly 40 years at Mart Produce, where he developed
lifelong friendships with the men and women he worked alongside.

Richard believed deeply in serving others. He spent many years as a member of the Rupert Kiwanis Club and devoted countless hours to serving in his church. Among his favorite callings was working with the young men through the Scouting program, where he loved teaching boys how to "do hard things."

The influence Richard had on his children is immeasurable. Despite never earning a four-year
college degree himself, Richard was determined that each of his children would graduate from college. Watching all five earn bachelor's degrees was one of his quiet triumphs. Another gift he gave his children was the knowledge of how to work. He taught this both through example and hands-on instruction.

Richard gave all his love to his children, as his family knew well, often through an endless stream of teasing. He loved seeing them grow and succeed. Richard also welcomed 14 grandchildren into his heart. Becoming Grandpa was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Robert G. Cotten; and his brothers, Robert L. Cotten and R. Scott Cotten.

He is survived by his wife, Aletha Cotten; his children, Tracy (Nick) Beebe of Tetonia, Idaho, W. Reed (Katy) Cotten of Rupert, Idaho, Calvin (Kalissa) Cotten of Rupert, Idaho, Ryan Scott (Claire) Cotten of Corinth, Texas, and Tara (Paul) Jefferies of Meridian, Idaho; his mother, June Tyler; his siblings, Roger Cotten, Shari (Steve) Seamons, and Gayla (Fred) Hough; 14
grandchildren; and a large extended family who will miss him dearly.

The funeral will be held at 12 noon Saturday, July 18, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rupert 3rd Ward, located at 526 South F Street, in Rupert, where a viewing will be held from 10 until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hansen Mortuary of Rupert.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/HN7flHsQVu8.