March 3, 1942 – Sept. 12, 2025
Alta Katherine Cochell passed away on Sept. 12, 2025, in Cottage Grove, at the age of 83.
Born on March 3, 1942, to Ralph and Mabel Sullivan in Sweet Home, Alta – known to everyone as Kathy – was the youngest of three children. She grew up in nearby Holley alongside her brothers, Leo and Robert.
A graduate of Sweet Home Union High School in 1960, she married Richard Cochell later that year at Holley Church. The couple made their home in Cottage Grove, where they raised their family.
Kathy worked as a teacher’s aide at Bohemia Elementary School in Cottage Grove for 20 years. Her coworkers remember her for her positive spirit and genuine concern for the students and staff whose lives she touched.
Kathy’s greatest loves in life were her Lord Jesus, her husband and her family. She and her family were members of the Church of Christ at 6th and Gibbs in Cottage Grove, where Kathy often played piano during worship services.
She began playing piano as a child and continued to find joy in music throughout her life. She also loved reading and shared this passion with her children and grandchildren.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard; daughter Lenette Bailey of Cottage Grove; two sons, Gale Cochell of Oasis, Idaho and Trevor Cochell of Cottage Grove; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Kathy will be remembered by all who knew and loved her as a kind and gentle soul who was dedicated to her Lord and devoted to her family.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Christ at 6th and Gibbs.
Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.