Della E. Cotner, 97, a resident of the Perry County Nursing Home, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, July 24, 1993 at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

She was born Dec. 25, 1895 in Daisy, Mo., daughter of C.J. Crites and Belle Miller.

She owned and operated Cotner Nursing Home on Jefferson Street for over 30 years, beginning in the 1950s.

A member of the Maple Avenue Methodist Church, she was also a member of the Cheerful Workers Sunday School Class at the church.

On March 11, 1914, she married Irl Eugene Wilcox. He preceded her in death July 17, 1924.

She then married John M. Cotner on Jan. 5, 1935. He preceded her in death Nov. 9, 1945.

She is survived by one son, Gene Wilcox, Las Vegas; one daughter, Marjorie Stearns, Perryville; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Four brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

Friends may call Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel.

Funeral service will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Jimmie Dace officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.