Anne Cotterell

Surrounded by family and the love of many, Anne Rieck Cotterell passed away peacefully on July 23, 2021.

Anne was born December 2, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas.  She grew up on her family’s ranch near Roosevelt, Texas, and later lived in Austin, Houston, Junction, and again on the ranch that she loved.

In preparation for her career as a professional educator, Anne attended Ward-Belmont School in Nashville, Tennessee, received her Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin, and earned her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Houston.  She also completed additional postgraduate studies at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas A&I University in Kingsville, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in Spain through the University of Minnesota.

Anne’s impressive commitment to teaching Spanish and English was evidenced by her more than 45 years in the classroom, including two decades at Junction High School, where she played a key role in significantly expanding the school’s Spanish program. Before retiring in her mid-70s, she led her students on multiple cultural trips to Mexico City, coached them at foreign language festivals and competitions around the state, and supported their efforts to achieve advance placement for college credits.  In addition to the strong personal satisfaction Anne received from working with her students, she was honored to receive a prestigious Texas Excellence Award for Outstanding High School Teachers.

In line with Anne’s career, she was an active member of the Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society, the Texas Foreign Language Association, the American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese, and the Association of Professional Educators.

Beyond the classroom, Anne pursued her love of horses through barrel racing competitions in Junction, Dressage exhibitions at the University of Texas, and pony rides for her grandkids.  She also managed various ranching operations, including two pecan orchards.

Anne was also committed to serving her community.  This included support for the Institute of International Education by hosting foreign students studying in the U.S., and for leading classes for the Houston Junior Forum, the Parent Teacher Association and the Bible Study Fellowship organization.  She also provided volunteer support for Trinity Episcopal Church, the Leti Study Club, and the nationally recognized Dad’s Club swim program at Houston YMCA, where she served as President of the Booster Club.

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, William James Cotterell III; brother, James P. Rieck and his spouse, Florence; brother, Hugh William Rieck, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Carol Chidley.

She is survived by three children and their spouses, including daughter, Catherine Howell and husband Pix; son, William James Cotterell IV and wife Mary; and daughter, Ricki Anne Dodd and husband Alan.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Moon Reece, Cimagaroon and Toklar Howell, Roxanna Benton, Suzie Wible, Courtney Goodly and William James Cotterell V; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Louise Rieck; and brother-in-law, Bill Chidley.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers who helped in so many ways during Anne’s illness.

Visitation will be at Kimble Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 1010 College Street, Junction.  The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1119 Main Street, Junction.  Interment will follow at Junction Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, any donations to honor Anne’s life may be made to the Trinity Episcopal Memorial Fund.