ROSE ANN OTTERSON
Rose Ann Otterson passed away February 15, 2023, at the age of 92, in Elk Grove, California.
Rose Ann was born in Sacramento, California on May 18, 1930, and raised by her parents Agnes and Walter McCoy in Grimes. She was the oldest of 5 children, including Margaret, Fran, Jim, and Mary. Rose Ann was married to Don Otterson for 66 years. She was preceded in death by Don and her daughter Doreen Otterson.
She is survived by her children Carrie Nishikawa, Jim Otterson and Patty Filice. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer (Kris) Kinnings, Mike (Vanessa) Nishikawa, Doreen (Alex) Filice Gabel, and Montina Filice, as well as great-grandchildren Malia and Kaden Kinnings, and Sam Gabel.
Rose Ann attended Sacramento Junior College while working in downtown Sacramento. At school, she met Don, who was attending a summer session. After their wedding in 1951 they lived in Davis while Don went to UC Davis and Rose Ann worked at the UC Davis Veterinary Clinic. They then moved to Willows to live and work on the family ranch and raise their children.
Rose Ann worked at the Department of Motor Vehicles and following her return to college at Chico State in the late 1970s to earn a history degree, Glenn Milk Producers and Glenn General Hospital as the Nursing Coordinator. Her most treasured career, however, was teaching. When she and Don left the ranch, Rose Ann returned to Chico State in her 50’s to get her teaching credential, and taught 4th grade for 15 years in Sacramento. Her classroom focus was developing her students’ reading abilities.
Rose Ann was a wildflower enthusiast and an avid bridge player. Her other loves were travel with Don, time at Donner Lake, the theater, and See’s candy. Her greatest pleasures were family gatherings and time with Don and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be whole-heartedly missed.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on March 6, 2023, at Good Shepherd Church, 9539 Racquet Court in Elk Grove. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to Rose Ann’s favorite charity, Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento.