Margaret Mary (Cotter) Bauman

Lifelong Sherman County resident, Margaret Mary (Cotter) Bauman died on Friday, November 23, 2018 after a long full life of 108 years. 

Margaret was born April 2, 1910 in a dugout to John and Anna (Nolan) Cotter.  Margaret attended country school and graduated from Sherman County High School in 1929.  She got her degree in “normal training” which qualified her to teach at a rural school.  Margaret renewed her certificate and taught grades 1st through 8th for a total of 6 years. 

Her life changed after a good-looking young farmer bought her raisin pie at one of the school’s pie socials.  Their courtship continued until 1937 when the prohibition on marriage was lifted for teachers.  On June 2, 1937 Margaret Cotter married Leonard Bauman and they lived in Goodland, Kansas.  Thanks to her new husband, Margaret got electricity in her home as well as her first car, a 1929 wine-colored Chevrolet Coupe.  Margaret was a devoted farm wife and loving mother.  She was proud to have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 2, 2003. 

Margaret lived an extraordinary life encompassing over 108 years.  At the time she was born, the telephone was just invented; electricity and indoor plumbing had not yet arrived in rural areas and in only a few cities; the airplane and the automobile were new  inventions and penicillin hadn’t been discovered.  She clearly remembered her life as a little girl on a Sherman County farm, the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, hearing about WWI and living through WWII and the wars that followed.  She was a grateful American who loved her country.  An American flag flying proudly could bring a tear to her eye. 

Her family was blessed to have her in their lives for so many years and will miss her love, loyalty, strong Catholic faith, practical wisdom, comforting words, hugs, Irish humor, constant support and the beauty and joy she brought to their lives and the lives of her dear friends and community.  She had a twinkle in her eye and a ready smile.  After all she was 100 percent Irish!  Margaret created a warm and welcoming home for her family and her friends who could always find a cup of coffee and something delicious to eat. 

She loved to play pinochle and pitch.  A regular at bingo, she intended to win at least once during the evenings’ games.  Margaret loved to read!  She was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and Altar Society for 81 years. 

Margaret was often asked what the secret to her longevity was.  When a Salina Journal reporter asked her she replied “My life has been 108 years of happiness and sorrows, but I’m happy to be alive.  I love every day!” 

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna; her husband, Leonard; infant son, Jarryl Eugene; brothers, James and Howard Cotter; sisters, Dorothy Cotter and Esther Klassen. 

Margaret is survived by her son, Darryl (Gloria) Bauman of Greensboro, NC; daughter, Rebecca (Leslie) Sheldon of Greeley, CO; grandchildren, Christie Pearson of Durham, NC, Doug Bauman of Topeka, KS and Jessica (Gary) Hilliard of Greensboro, NC. 

Friends and relatives may visit Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 4 to 6 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street in Goodland.  Vigil/Celebration of Life will begin at 6:30 p.m. MT and Rosary to follow at the funeral home. 

A funeral mass will be Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. MT at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 307 West 13th Street in Goodland.  Interment will follow the service at the Goodland Cemetery. 

Memorials may be designated to OLPH Catholic Church of Goodland or the Goodland Senior Center and may be left at the services or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735.  Online condolences and information www.batemanfuneral.com

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