Jeffrey Gerald Cotney

Jeffrey Gerald Cotney, a loving father, husband, brother, son, uncle and friend of Gillette, Wyoming, gracefully departed this life in the presence of his loving family on February 21, 2024.

 

Jeff’s journey began in Mesa, Arizona on March 2, 1984 to Gerald Cotney and Barbara Houston.  He shared his childhood with his brother, TJ Russell, Jerry Cotney and sister Sabrina Edwards.  Jeff’s path led him to Sundance, Wyoming where he met his high school sweetheart, Amber Tibbetts who stole his heart.  Jeff and Amber welcomed Hunter Jeffrey James Tibbetts on March 5, 2003 in Gillette, Wyoming.  Jeff and Amber exchanged vows on January 20, 2005 in Sundance, Wyoming and in just a short time, on September 19, 2006 their family expanded with the birth of Payton Timothy Douglas Cotney, in Gillette, Wyoming.

 

Yet, fate cast a shadow on Jeff’s life on September 20, 2012, when he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma.  Jeff faced each day with courage and strength and while going through chemotherapy he continued to work for Nelson's Auto Glass. Over the duration of twelve years of treatment, he underwent a series of surgeries to remove a kidney, and tumors that had surfaced.  During treatments at Campbell County Health Jeff would sneak out of the hospital in between chemo treatments to watch his son's baseball games and practices.  At the time of Jeff's death he was employed with Paintbrush Services as a Fleet Manager.

 

Jeff enjoyed playing softball and basketball.  He thoroughly enjoyed going to Keyhole to fish and camp with his family.  He enjoyed playing video games with his brother and tinkering with engines.  You could also catch Jeff  watching his 49er's play football.  Jeff enjoyed spending time with his dog Max and catching up with friends. Jeff felt an enormous amount of pride in coaching both Hunter and Payton while they played baseball for Gillette Babe Ruth, instilling in them values of discipline and perseverance.

 

Jeff is remembered by his devoted wife, Amber Cotney; his son's, Hunter and Payton; Father, Gerald Cotney (Lisa Cotney); "Pa" Mark and "Ma" Janet Potts; Rose Cotney (Grandmother), Linda Gustafson (Grandmother); brothers, TJ Russell and Jerry (Cassie) Cotney; sister, Sabrina (Alex) Edwards; sister in law, Brooke Crystal; Mother in Law, Dawn Fulciniti; bonus step sisters, Brittani, Nicole and Haley; Aunts, Tina, Tammy and Julie; Uncles, Phillip, Don and Emit;  several cousins, Summer (Ryan) Roberts, Ernie, Amanda, Nick, Casey, Justin, Anna, Tempest; nieces, Linda, Kennidee, Lilee; nephews, Douglas, Devon,  Liam, Trenton, Montana, Pierce, Kamdyn, Weston, Layton; and so many dear friends that touched his life. 

 

Jeff is predeceased by Grandfather, Donald Cotney; Uncle, Tim Land; Mother, Barbara Haar; Grandfather, Jerry Land; Step-Father, Douglas Haar; Father in Law, John Fulciniti; best friends, Beau Grammer and Anthony Nold; and Jeff’s dog, Cole.

 

The Cotney family extends their heartfelt gratitude to those who offered love and support during Jeff’s valiant battle.  To the compassionate individuals who donated generously through Go Fund Me and Campco Support, to the mound of love and support received by Jeff’s employer, Paintbrush Services and to the dedicated physicians and nurses at CCH (‘Hepner Cancer Center) in Gillette and UC Health in Denver.  Special appreciation is extended to Amber’s colleagues at Campbell County Home Medical Resources, whose unwavering support provided strength in moments of fragility. Special appreciation to families that supported Jeff, Amber, Hunter and Payton throughout the years as Jeff walked through his battle of cancer.