Mary Ruth Cotnoir

Mary Ruth Cotnoir, age 92 passed away peacefully at her home on August 11th, 2025. Born November 17th, 1932, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Anna Mae Hanks and Paul Springfield, Mary was an only child who developed a strong sense of independence growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains. After graduating from high school in 1951, she met Thomas A. Cotnoir while attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. They later married in Kingsford, Michigan, and eventually settled in Kimberly, Wisconsin, where they raised seven children.

Forever a girl scout at heart, she channeled her homemaking talents into diverse pursuits, earning both a real estate license and dental assistant degree. Mary's active spirit didn't slow down after retirement from Dr Ebben's office in Little Chute. She enjoyed spending time with lifelong friends she met at the Skate City roller rink, water yoga classes at the YMCA, and RV camping in the Northwoods. She dedicated her time at Community Center events, delivered Meals on Wheels, and took great pride in her family members who served in the military. Those fortunate to have known Mary remember her as a kind and caring woman equally at home in the kitchen as she was riding the back roads on her Kawasaki motorcycle with Tom at her side.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband; and eldest son, John. Mary is survived by daughter, Terri Murtie; daughter-in-law, Estella Chandler; sons, Paul, Christopher (Wendy), Robert (Noreen), James (Brenda), and William (Kathy); grandchildren, John, Peter (Becky), Megan, Brecon, Ryan (Caitlin), Aaron, Macallum, Christopher, and Garrett; and great-grandchildren, Addelyn, Gabriel, Braylon, Cajea, William, and Nolan.

Mary left this world the same way she lived her life: with grace, dignity, and courage. Join us on Thursday, August 28th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Jansen-Fargo Funeral Home, 204 E. Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136 to reminisce and celebrate a life well lived.