Cheryl L. Cotter

Longtime Goodland, KS resident Cheryl Lee (Vogt) Cotter, 65, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado. She was born on July 27, 1960 in Parkston, South Dakota to Clarence and Laverna Vogt.

Cheryl grew up on a farm outside the small town of Scotland, South Dakota. Despite tragedies on the farm when she was young, she was a selfless, caring, and loving woman with the most beautiful smile, freely flowing tears of happiness or empathy, and the best hugs.

After the farm, she moved to Yankton, SD, where she met the love of her life and eternal partner, Rob Cotter. In Yankton, they married and had their first son, Tom. Shortly after, the three of them moved to Goodland, KS, where they would have 2 more children, Katrina and Jay. She loved raising her three children and attending all their activities; never missing an event. Cheryl couldn’t have been prouder of her family. Cheryl also loved flowers, playing pinochle, her faith, and harmonized music.

Her love and care weren’t exclusive to her friends and family; Cheryl had a long career working with individuals with developmental disabilities. She was a fierce advocate for those with disabilities.

Unfortunately, in recent years, Cheryl faced a number of health challenges that slowly took their toll. On a dreary day, she was surrounded by some of the people she loved the most.

Though heavy and sad, she was given the best parting hours one could ask for. She was alert, at peace, and able to say her goodbyes. And then in a moment preceded by years of pain, discomfort, and sleepless nights, she said, “I’m relaxed,” closed her eyes, falling asleep and peacefully left this earthly world.

She is preceded in death by her father, Clarence; her mother, Laverna; her stepmothers, Arlene and Bernice; and her brothers, Lyle and David.

She is survived by her husband, Rob; children, Tom (Meghan), Katrina (Jake), Jay; grandchildren, Fred, and Cole; sister, Darcy (John); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Cheryl Cotter Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.