Hallie Gillingwater Cotrell was born on January 4, 1933, in Duncan, Arizona, to Alfred Gillingwater and Helen Dees. After the sudden loss of her mother, Hallie became the heart of her family, caring for her four younger siblings, Alfred, Amelia, David, and William with strength, devotion, and grace.

Hallie attended Manteca High School and Modesto Junior College and later worked as a substitute teacher and in clerical roles. On November 8, 1952, she married John Wayne Cotrell, and together they raised two children, Christine and Steven, eventually settling on an almond ranch in Ripon.

A woman of quiet service and deep compassion, Hallie opened her home and heart to twelve foster children and was a devoted lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, faithfully serving the Ripon Ward. In her later years, she cherished her role as “Grammie” to her four grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her “lovebugs.”

Hallie is reunited in heaven with her husband, John; her son, Steven; her parents; and her brother, Alfred. She is survived by her daughter, Christine Lake (Christopher), and her grandchildren Annie, Breanna, Caryn, and Derrick. Her legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love lives on in all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints (6060 Northland Road, Manteca, CA 95336).

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Friday, January 30, 2026