<< Go Back To Obituaries

Richard Cotten

Jul. 3, 1955 - Jul. 12, 2026

Date of Service: Jul. 18, 2026

Watch the Webcast

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.

Condolences for Richard Cotten

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Patsy Walker:

So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing! My love to you…May you be surrounded by love at this time! All my love!

From Patsy Walker:

So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing! My love to you…May you be surrounded by love at this time! All my love!

From Jenny Schenk:

Aletha, Roger, & family my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I worked with Richard for many years at Mart Produce. I enjoyed his sense of humor and remember how proud he was of all of his kids; he loved his family dearly. One of my memories is whenever he didn't want to talk to a cold call salesperson he would transfer the call to me, I would answer and they would say " Hi Lou-Lou and give me their story. I started doing the same thing back to him. He just smiled from ear to ear. He will be missed, hold tight to the memories

From Patsy Walker:

So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing! My love to you…May you be surrounded by love at this time! All my love!

From Patsy Walker:

So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing! My love to you…May you be surrounded by love at this time! All my love!

From Jolyn Bushman :

There are so many memories with Richard & Aletha especially knowing we were good friends for many years. Our love and condolences to you Aletha and your sweet family. What a great reunion though with so many family and friends on the other side though Richard will be dearly missed right here with you. Our love to you Aletha and your family.

From Lori Anderson:

Aletha, Reed, Kalissa and family, I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Please be comforted in knowing you will be reunited in eternity. Sending prayers and condolences.

From Jim McBride:

Worked with Richard for over 30 years at Mart Produce. Always enjoyed his sense of humor. He was a hard worker and dedicated to his employer. Raised a wonderful family along with his wonderful wife. Strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You will be missed, but leave many great memories.

From Stephen Hurst:

Sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed getting to know Richard at Mart and eventually through church. He was always patient with me and took time to teach me and help me be successful. He was a great example to me of kindness and appreciating people. He did tease me constantly but I always felt loved at the same time.

From Patsy Walker:

So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing! My love to you…May you be surrounded by love at this time! All my love!

From JT Madsen :

Uncle Richard , so thankful I was able to see you one last time healthy and happy I will miss visiting with you although it was years in between them, it was always like no time had past , I will miss you . Sending all my love to you and the whole family.

From Nick DeFilippis:

Condolences for the loss of such a good man. Much of his family has been great friends to mine over many years, and I really appreciate his admirable influence.

From Kale and Kyle Tarbet:

All our love to the Cotten family. We are so grateful for your friendship and love. Our hearts are with you in this time of grief.

From Charlton Coats:

I will always remember and be grateful for the life lessons Richard instilled on all those that met him. I was one of those boys that benefited from his selfless service in scouting and the church. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and his incredible family. It was a life well lived and the standard we should emulate.

From Carol Christensen:

Aletha and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My love and prayers with each of you during this time.

From Alan Hale:

Aletha, Lynette and I are so sad for your loss. Richard was a great friend to me when we moved to Rupert. Such a good man. You are in our prayers.

From Russ and Sally Holland:

So sorry Aletha and family. Richard was and still is a good man. He always did more than was asked and took pride in always doing things right. Not enough like him anymore. We will all miss him.

From Kevin and Carol Beebe :

Our condolences to the Cotton family. We are going to miss Richard. He was always a soft spoken, kind, caring man who loved his family dearly. We enjoyed his visits at grandkids ball games. He will be missed.

From Kevin and Carol Beebe :

From Russ Dilworth:

Sorry for your loss, Cotten family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

From Julie Evensen:

So sorry for your family with the loss of your husband and father.

From Glenn and Susan Hunsaker :

So very sorry for your loss Aletha and family. We love you all so much and our hearts are aching for you.

From Marion Weickum:

Aletha and family. I'm so sorry for your loss

From Heidi robbins :

Im so sorry fear Aletha and families for such a wonderful loss we love u

Condolence Form

Leave a Condolence or Memory:

Your Name:

Email (optional):

A real person knows the answer: 4 plus 9 =

*Note: Comments submitted after business hours will be reviewed and posted the following business day by funeral home staff.