Marsha Pernell Cottle of Waco passed away Thursday, September 1, 2022 at the age of 72.
Graveside Service: 10am Friday, September 9, 2022 at Waco Memorial Park
Marsha was born March 27,1950 in Cleburne, Texas to Tom and Betty Pernell. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin University in 1972 with a B.A. in Education. She worked as a teacher at the Waco Methodist Children’s Home and later worked in Child Protective Services and as a Parole Officer for the State of Texas until her retirement in 2006.
Marsha lost her husband, DPS Trooper Richard Cottle, in 2001 in a line of duty accident. This loss led Marsha to become a big supporter of the Blue Knights TX XI charity events. She helped raise funds for Waco McLennan Peace Officer Memorial, 100 Club of Central Texas, Texas Police Chiefs Foundation and Mclennan County Children’s Advocacy Center. Marsha served on the Board of Directors for the 100 Club Heart of Texas.
However, her greatest love was her two sons and her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending all of their sporting events and performances. She loved spending time with her friends and having lunch with her boys. In the past, she enjoyed riding motorcycles with Larry and goose hunting with Richard. Marsha loved life and loved people.
Marsha is survived by her significant other, Larry Bowers, her brother, Tommy Pernell, son, Chad Buenger, wife Mandi and their two children, Hannah and Holdyn, son Justin Buenger, wife Lauren and their two children, Layne and Landyn, and many cousins and life long friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Betty Pernell and husband Richard Cottle.
Cherish her memory and share the “Marsha” stories. Remember her love of family, the law enforcement community, and her dogs.
Her sons ask that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to the 100 Club Heart of Texas (www.mclennan100club.org). This organization was near and dear to Marsha and she would love nothing more than to see huge support for her favorite cause.
Place of Service: Waco Memorial Park , 6623 S. IH-35; Robinson, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
Chad and Justin, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know this leaves a huge hole in your hearts. I have many stories I could tell about our adventures being neighbors. I will never forget marsha’s sweet smile and personality. What a special angel 😇 heaven has gained. She will be missed by many. I love you all💜
I worked with Richard for a number of years at DPS. I remember Marsha as always smiling and happy. I know that it was a difficult time for her when he died, but she stayed strong and kept her family close. God bless each of you for your loss.
Marsha was my cps caseworker when I was 15. She changed my life and got me out of an abusive home. She and Richard showed me that people care about me and continued to stay in my life. I am now 41 years old and she and Richard will forever be in my heart. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Saddened to hear of Marsha’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Worked with Marsha at CPS.
Sending prayers to family. So sorry to hear of Marsha’s passing. She was such a bright light in so many people’s lives. She will be greatly missed. RIP my friend. I was blessed to have known you. ❤
I first met Marsha in the 80’s when we were dancing on stage for the Jr. League annual Charity Ball. She was so much fun, full of life and always smiling! My heart breaks for her children and her grandchildren. Marsha, rest in peace, sweet friend.
We are so very sorry to learn about Marsha’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family. She was such a special person and touched so many lives throughout her life and career dedicated to helping others. She always found a way to meet you with smile and was usually the first to ask, “how are you doing.” Rest in peace Marsha, you will be missed.
Chad
I hope you and your family are well.
Peace and Love my friend.
We met Marsha when she started dating Richard. She was a pretty lady with a kind heart. Brad and I have grown old with her these past years after Richard’s death. We shared watching our kids and grandchildren grow up. She loved our entire family and we loved her. She fought so hard during the grief of losing Richard but she grew so strong and even more beautiful and kinder over those years. Our entire family will miss you Marsha. We are so proud of Larry for loving and caring for Marsha over the years. We offered to relieve him during the sick days but he said he didn’t want to leave her. Marsha was so proud of her sons and daughters-in-laws who gave her the greatest gifts of all, her four grandchildren. She loved them all so much. Marsha, rest in peace, we will miss you.
Tommy,
So sorry for the loss of your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You all and stay strong.
Paula
My deepest sympathies to her family. I have known Marsha since about 1990, she was friends with my mother first and I got to know Marsha through my mother, then when she joined the CPS crew. She loved her family deeply. May the happy memories of mother bring you joy and peace – that is what she would want. I love you Marsha and I know mom is just waiting for you in heaven and you guys will having a blast together again.
My deepest sympathies for the family. I worked with Marsha at CPS and we remained friends after she left. She was so energetic and loving. She will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to Marsha’s Family, I need not tell you this because I know you already know, but when I met your mother I was overtaken by her beautiful, classy self. Wow, never in my life have I been so proud today that I was blessed to call her a friend. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest easy Marsha, I love you lady !
Our deepest sympathy to Marsha’s sons and to Larry. I knew Marsha from Midway Little League when Chad played baseball with my son, Jason. Later on, we met up again when Larry and Marsha had a houseboat across from ours at Speegleville Marina. We had such fun catching up, sharing stories and living life.
Chad, Justin and Larry, our prayers are for you during this difficult time. 🙏 May God comfort you 🙏
Mike and Melanie Hix
Marsha was a pretty sweet lady always smiling her sons and daughter in laws were good friends of my daughter and her husband they thought a lot of Marsha and the family fly high Marsha
Dear Chad, Mandi. Holdyn and Hannah,
I’m sending my love and prayers for all your family to be comforted. Hold on to all your memories and and speak of them to each other. Laugh at the fun stuff and cry over the sad times. Know you will be together again one day in Heaven.
We met Marsha on September 20, 1994 when she brought us our first foster child. She told Richard she wanted to keep our little guy. We also fell in love with him and adopted him. Marsha was such a beautiful soul. Our condolences to the family.
Dear Cottle family, The Baylor Scott and White Waco Hospice family would like to give you our deepest condolences with our thoughts and prayers! We still care and we are still here for you! God bless you!
Dear Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Our families were Fortunate to grow up together. Marsha was a ray of sunshine and she will be missed…prayers and healing for all
I met Marsha in 2011 while she was in Oregon. Her kindness and sweet love of God encouraged me and many others! She loved the salt water taffy we bought while visiting the seaside together. Rest In Peace dear friend! You will be missed.
Love Meaghan