Madeline Maxine Sersland

Madeline Maxine Williams Cottrell Sersland, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, in Layton, Utah. She was born on February 22, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, to Marvin V. and Georgia Butler Williams. She was the oldest of their six children.

Madeline was raised in Topeka, where she attended public schools and graduated from Seaman High School. After high school, she attended business school and went to work at the Santa Fe Railroad office.

In 1949, she met and married James (Jim) C. Cottrell, Sr. while he was stationed at an air base in Topeka, Kansas. Jim saw Madeline and although, they had not yet met, he commented to his buddy, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” His buddy told Jim that she was already engaged to another man, but he was undeterred; he wooed her any way. Later, they moved to California where they were blessed to have four children: Jerry, Jim, Dan and Julianne. Sadly, Jim passed away in 1962, leaving her a young widow.

While working at Norton Air Force Base in California, Madeline met Paul Sersland. They married in 1967, and she gained three bonus daughters: Karolyn, Linda and Sandy. When Norton Air Force Base closed, they moved to Utah and began working at Hill Air Force Base. Due to health reasons, Madeline took a medical retirement and Paul decided to retire from government service at that time as well.

Madeline and Paul spent many years wintering at Venture Out in Mesa, Arizona, and the summer months traveling around the country in their Winnebago motorhome, visiting family and friends. When they were no longer able to travel, they moved back to Utah, settling in Layton. Madeline and Paul were married for 58 years. Paul passed away only a few weeks ago on August 30, 2025.

Madeline was a talented musician and singer. She loved to play the piano and guitar. At a young age, she taught her brother, Larry, to play piano. She had a unique method; she would bite his fingers when he played the wrong notes. Amazingly, Larry grew up to be a very accomplished pianist and organist in spite of the early pain involved with learning.

While living in Arizona, Madeline took oil painting classes and created many beautiful paintings, some of which adorn the walls of family and friends. She also learned to manipulate a scroll saw, and made many creative pieces of art. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and learning new crafts.

Madeline loved to read and study the Bible, on her own and with her Bible study group. She and Paul attended the Mountain View Baptist Church and valued the many friendships they developed with their fellow members.

Madeline is survived by her son, James C. Cottrell, Jr. (Judy); daughters, Karolyn Ebbert and Linda Lowe; and daughter-in-law, Ceva Cottrell; her sister, Darlene Huxel; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, James C. Cottrell, Sr. and Paul Sersland; sons, Jerry and Dan Cottrell; daughters, Julianne Cottrell and Sandy Sersland; brothers, Gerald, Larry and Darrell Williams; sister, Jeanine Butler; and son-in-law, John Lowe.

We wish to thank Marcelene Sandberg and Alecia Ellis for the many years of loving service given to Paul and Madeline. Paul and Madeline considered them as family.

A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 North Fairfield Rd, Layton, Utah.