Clarine Ann Cotton

Clarine Ann Cotton, 88, passed away January 20, 2009 in Morgantown, WV where she had resided since October 2001. A long-time Tri- Village area resident, she was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Theresa Basich (nee Anselmi), and George Basich Sr.; sisters Virginia (Locke) and Helen (Rankin); and brothers George Jr., Peter, Edwin and Lawrence. She also was preceded in death by husband, Thomas R. Sr.; and sons, Charles L. and William G. Surviving are sons Thomas R (Joyce), Nashville, OH; Eugene E. (Marnie), Franklin TN; Timothy P., Nashville, TN; and James J., Columbus; daughters Linda A. Guterman, Aspen, CO; Catherine J. (David) Reisch, Pelion SC ; Sandra L. (Karen MacKay) Morgantown, WV; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Slaven, Columbus. In addition, she leaves 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends, including special friend, Emily Minor, Westerville OH, to celebrate her life. Cotton survived the Great Depression and the deaths of six of her infant brothers and sisters, was runner-up in the city tennis championships at the age of 15, and graduated from Central High School with honors. She was a member of the National Honorary Society Sigma Kappa Psi, and in the top 10 of her class of 125. She remained active in the school's alumni association, was a deacon in Boulevard Presbyterian Church and active in a women's circle there. Cotton was widowed at the age of 51 and had never driven a mile until then. She bought a car, learned how to drive and continued driving for nearly 30 years. She was treasurer and president of Ridgecliff Singles and danced every weekend. On the eve of her move to Morgantown, her children attended her last Friday night dance with the Ridgecliff group and were awed by her grace and agility on the dance floor. Her collection of elephant figurines was expansive, widely admired by many and included a two-year stint as sponsor of a live elephant at the Columbus Zoo. The family thanks the nurses, staff and Dr. William Minor of Mapleshire Nursing Home, the WVU School of Nursing Mother Visit Project, and Hospice Care for their love and gentle treatment of Clarine during the last years of her life. Friends are encouraged to join her family at the DEYO-DAVIS FUNERAL HOME, 1578 W. First Ave., Grandview Hts., Friday, January 23, at 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. There will be a service at the funeral home Saturday, January 24, at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Keith Moser. officiating followed by Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Alzheimer's Association National Office; 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL 17; Chicago IL 60601-7633. Phone: 800/272-3900

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