Reta M. Wotton

LITTLETON - Reta M. (Cowperthwaite) Wotton, 100, passed away July 28, 2008, at a local nursing facility after a period of failing health. She was born Dec. 25, 1907, in Monticello, the daughter of William and Laura (Nason) Cowperthwaite. Reta was the town of Littleton's oldest citizen and one of its' most renowned cooks. The last cookbook published by the town was dedicated in her honor. There were always homemade chocolate chip and molasses cookies and bread for the grandchildren and great-grands in the cupboard. She was a cherished mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. One of her favorite things to do was knit mittens and stockings for all the children. Her faith in Jesus, her family, her church and her beloved farm were the most important things in her life and she never failed in her devotion to them. She was an honorary deaconess at Littleton United Baptist Church, where she taught junior church for many years and was a member of the Missionary Circle. She attended services faithfully until three years ago. Reta graduated from Ricker Classical Institute and taught at schools in Littleton and Monticello. She and her husband operated a dairy and potato farm until his illness forced him to retire. She was a hard worker all her life. She boarded potato pickers and worked in the fields and in the barn. She often told of helping her grandmother, who ran a boarding home for workers when Route 1 was built through Monticello. She was very independent and lived by herself until April of this year, when illness required her to be hospitalized. Reta is survived by a son, Raymond Wotton and his wife, Sandra, of Littleton; 10 grandchildren, Ronald McGary and his wife, Darlene, Wayne McGary, Larry McGary, Timothy McGary and his wife, Marsha, Donald McGary Jr. and his wife, Peggy, Kevin McGary and his wife, Jill, Andrew McGary and his wife, Wendy, Kent Wotton, Marc Wotton and his wife, Lorie and Amy (Wotton) Corey and her husband, Daniel; several great-grand-children and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nephews, Stephen, Merrill, Richard, Robert, David and Dwight Cowperthwaite; and niece, Edna (Cowperthwaite) Evans. She was predeceased by her husband, Alton Wotton in 1979; her daughter, Laura McGary; son-in-law, Donald McGary; sister, Ella Hutchinson; and brothers, Roy, Ellery, Donald and Arnold Cowperthwaite. The family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Ted Sussman for his many years of care and concern, to Dr. Hassan Abouleish, the staff at Houlton Regional Hospital and the staff at Gardiner Health Care for their loving care for Reta and the many kindnesses to her family. Reta appreciated the many visits of special nieces, Doris Tardy and Donna Curtis. We would also like to thank Mr. Straubel for his many visits, prayers and comfort. Services will be held noon Wednesday, July 30, at Littleton United Baptist Church with the Rev. Steven Straubel officiating, assisted by Timothy McGary. Friends may call 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to Littleton United Baptist Church or Gardiner Health Care Facility, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.