May God bless you and your...
Joe taught me how to drive a tractor. Thanks Joe!
Paul Krumholz
March 17, 2026 | Dumfries, VA | Friend
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Photo courtesy of Frye Chapel & Mortuary of Blythe - Blythe
Joe Cota
Mar 8, 1948 - Jan 8, 2026
Guest Book
RIP Coach! Thank for the countless hours and advice you poured into the youth! You are an outstanding man. Gonna miss you
Darien Broom
February 15, 2026 | Avon, CT | Friend
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Joe being friends with you Gilbert Perez , Eddie Rodrigues, Manuel Sanchez and many others in our early preteen and adult life through coaching and playing sports from Blythe, Yuma , Needles and Lake Havasu could never be written as a Hollywood script. We certainly love you and our are hearts are with your next chapter is our Father God. To all Cotas , Spive’s and Donez’s thanks to the relatives and friends in Blythe at last RIP.
Bobby and Nate Morales
January 22, 2026 | Yuma, AZ | Friend
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It was beyond heart wrenching to hear of Joe's passing. My wife Dorothy, Armida Carmargo, Bobby Morales and brother Joe had much fun together in the late 60's. I met Joe through city sports in 1972. Had too much fun over the years. When they had a surprise birthday party for him at the legion it was standing room only. 3 to 83 were there. That only says one thing LOVE.
Your missed deeply hermano. Prayers for Bridget. We will all meet again ✝
Dorothy & Stan Hall
January 18, 2026 | Douglas, AZ | Family
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Joe you will always be remembered for the wonderful man that you were. Gone now but never forgotten. May you now forever RIP. God bless and prayers to all your family and friends
George & Debbie Acuna
January 17, 2026 | Blythe, CA | Acquaintance
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May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Theresa Weathersby
January 16, 2026 | Roswell, NM | Friend
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Deepest Condolences to the Cota family I had the pleasure of being coached by Joe in football baseball and basketball in my youth and then had the honor of coaching with him later in life bringing home a 7th and 8th grade flag football title for Southern California Joe rest easy with your wife now thanks for all your sports knowledge and being a coach and a mentor RIP.
Tommy Tang from Uruguay Mendez
January 16, 2026 | BLYTHE, CA | Friend
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Joe was not only one of my favorite basketball coaches he was one of the best human beings that god planted on this earth just a coach at life but also just a pure loving human being who cared about me like I was his own kidhe taught me life lessons and also gave infinite wisdom I love you Coach Joe! Rest in paradise and drink a cold one ❤
Chancise Watkins
January 16, 2026 | Blythe Ca, CA | Student
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You will be dearly missed by myself and my boys. Prayers for family.
Jackie Hand
January 16, 2026 | Broken Arrow, OK | Friend
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Obituary
Joe's Obituary
Joe Cota, age 77, of Blythe, California, passed away on January 8, 2026. He was born on March 8, 1948, in Blythe, where he spent most of his life serving and shaping the community he loved.
Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army after joining in 1968, completing two years of service. Following his military service, he dedicated his professional life to recreation and youth development as the Recreation Director at the Joe Wine Recreation Center in Blythe.
A passionate coach and mentor, Joe coached many sports over the years, including flag football and women’s basketball. He was especially well known for his long-standing role as the men’s high school basketball coach at Palo Verde High School. To many, he was more than a coach—he was a mentor, role model, and steady source of guidance for generations of young athletes.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Cota, who passed away in 1999. Together they raised their daughter, Bridget, who remained the center of Joe’s life.
Joe is survived by his only daughter, Bridget Cota; his siblings, Frank Cota (Lourdes) and Linda Spivey (Bobby); his nieces and nephews Robert Spivey, Danette Salvatierra Spivey, Roberta Spivey Sosa (Julian), Frankie Cota, Mary Helen Donez (Bobby), Cecilia Romero (Jesus), Rachel Guillen (Ron), Patricia Adkins (Brian) and Gilbert Cota (Valentina) also his niece Mary Kipfmiller; as well as many additional nieces and nephews in Michigan.
Known as the funniest guy in the room, Joe could always tell a story—whether it was completely true or not—and leave everyone laughing. His humor, generosity, and dedication to mentoring young people made him a pillar of the Blythe community for many years.
Joe Cota’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the players he coached, and the laughter he shared. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Frye Chapel & Mortuary, located at 633 North 7th Street, Blythe, California 92225.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 875 East Chanslor Way, Blythe, California 92225.
Burial will follow at Palo Verde Cemetery, 343 West 10th Avenue, Blythe, California 92225.
A funeral reception will be held afterward at VFW Post 2987, 148 North 1st Street, Blythe, California 92225
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