Cathy Strother-Otis

Cathy Strother-Otis passed away peacefully at home with husband and daughters at her side on November 18, 2023.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and visitation will be held from 4-7pm Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline.  Memorials may be made to Unity Point at Home Hospice Foundation.

Cathy was born on February 2, 1950, in Moline, the daughter of William and Bernice (Vanderhelst) Strother. She was a graduate of Moline High School, class of 1968 where she met her future husband Alan Otis.  She continued her studies and graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1972 with a degree in Education. She began her career as a social worker and counselor at Annie Wittenmyer, dedicating herself to kids in great need. Alan and Cathy were married in Moline in 1980 and had two girls, Jessica & Melissa. Cathy later returned to work as a preschool screener for Black Hawk Special Education, she loved interacting with all of the kids and retired in February of 2023.

Family and children were her greatest passion. She loved raising her daughters and found even more joy from each of her grandchildren. Her love as a Mimi to her grandchildren was immeasurable, and she took every opportunity to spend as much time with them as she could. She loved hosting family gatherings both small and large. She enjoyed traveling and was grateful for the many family vacations, annual camping trips at Devil’s Lake State Park and so many fun trips with incredible friends that she was able to take during her lifetime. She was an avid reader, loved flowers, all dogs, and feeding the birds.

She leaves behind her husband, Alan; daughters, Jessica (John) Cravero, Moline and Melissa (Jay) Peterson, Moline; grandchildren, Penelope, Carmine, Deacon, and Remington; sister, Vicki Wood; brother, Ron (Sandy) Strother. Cathy also leaves behind lifelong friends Diane Fall, Chris McKenzie, Kathy Werning, Debbie White and many other family members and friends who will love, miss and remember her always.

She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved sister, Becky Riddle. Cathy’s final resting place will be as she wished at Moline Memorial Park next to her sister, Becky.

Memories may be left online at esterdahl.com.