Louia Frances (Myers) Cottrell, 86, passed away on March 2, 2014 at Tekoa Care Center in Tekoa, Washington. A gathering of friends and family will be held later this spring at the Myers Family Cemetery in Pullman.

She was born on September 25, 1928 at Spokane, Washington to Roy & Mildred (Lussier) Myers.Her childhood was spent in eastern Washington near the small farming town of Diamond. Louia's natural abilities as an artist and horse enthusiast were obvious early on and stayed throughout her life. In addition, she was an accomplished vocalist and could always be counted on to launch into a spirited harmony or solo. Louia attended Washington State University and shortly thereafter met James William Cottrell. They were married in 1948 and farmed wheat and cattle operations in the Endicott and Malaga areas until 1972. Louia was always in charge of the horses for cattle drives and fence patrol. She also drove wheat truck and could be counted on to take up the reins of ranch work if needed.

In the next phase of her remarkable life, Louia worked as a horse trainer, riding instructor and horse show judge. She was also a floral arranger, a bird keeper extraordinaire, sculptor and a green thumb gardener. She certainly had the independent "Myers Spirit". Louia was very fond of her large family of nieces and nephews and was also honorary "Aunt Louia" to a number of other close young friends from the horse world.

Louia was preceded in death by her husband Jim; her brothers Joe Myers and Bob Myers; and her sister Jean Myers Bower. She is survived by her brother Roy Myers of Grass Valley, California and by numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Special mention should be made of Jo Ramirez, Maria Lancaster and Nancy Ellsworth who were valued friends. Also, Glen & Jill Myers of Colfax who regularly checked in on and helped Louia in her final times.