​ERA BELL WINGATE OTTO

Mom died this week. Era Bell Otto had a devastating stroke on Tuesday, July 29. It had been a good day; no one saw it coming. Her strong will and might were no competition for the multiple strokes that followed. Death occurred on Monday, August 4, 2025. She was 93 years young.

What defines a good life? She was born in 1932 in Humble, Texas during the early years of the Great Depression. Era Bell was the daughter of the late George and Ollie Wingate, and sister to 3 brothers. George was an Humble Oil man and raised his family in the traditional Oil Camps. The camps provided electricity when most rural areas had none. Most had dining halls and playgrounds for the kids. Their neighbors were like extensions of their own family. It was a good life.

Era Bell graduated from Wharton High School where she was Captain of the Volleyball team and Girls Basketball team. Her first job was at the Vinyard's Drugstore Soda Fountain in Wharton. The highlight of her days making milkshakes and malts was the day the love of her life walked in. In June 1952 Era Bell wed Robert Jennings (RJ) Otto of Needville. Their story began with RJ being a cattle broker and rancher. They settled in a small home with some acreage outside of Richmond. Here they had 3 children together. It was a good life.

By 1958, my Mom took the place of Matriarch in our small family. At 26 years of age, her husband died from a horse accident. Tragedy is such a small word for an unbearable time in life. But as all those who witnessed this event now know, Era Bell transformed her previous role as wife into a strong and willful mother raising 3 kids. She had the fiercely loyal support of her husband's parents, Roscoe and Leona Otto of Needville. All the remaining days of their lives they were there for Era Bell in good times and in bad. There was fun on their farm but there was forever sadness underneath. Life was different.

During the early years after the loss of her husband, Era Bell continued his business association with Zero Meat Locker managing the many accounts he had built up. Close family friends enticed her to learn to bowl and join their Bowling League as a distraction from her loss. Having some athletic inclination, bowling came easy. Her most memorable night was bowling a 285, with 10 strikes in a row. She bowled for 53 years. It was during this time that Coach Rusty Rowe offered her a job with Lamar Transportation where she worked for 27 years upon her retirement. These were the years she cultivated so many friendships. It was a good life.

Late in life Era Bell was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She was treated successfully at MDAnderson where she rang the brass bell. She was truly blessed to be a Cancer survivor for 10 years. In between these many life events, she became the proud Grandmother to 8 grands and 12 greats. As Matriarch, she had an important role in her family. She wanted all her kids to have a place to come home to. She believed she had a blessed life. When it was all said and done, it was a good life. At 93, her life was complete. We give all the Glory to our God above.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Otto McCune (Mac) and Sharon Otto Jones (GT) and son, Ronnie Otto (Cathey); her brother, Bruce Wingate; her grandchildren, Lorna Otto, Jason Otto, Mason McCune, Callye Otto Johnson, Pierce Otto, Cole McCune, Ainsley Otto Ives and Emily Otto Shillow; and 12 great grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will miss her.

The family would like to acknowledge the care and love of close family friend, Dr. Julio Molina, for his guidance over 36 years. His support was unwavering, and his advice was never wrong. As well, we want to thank Dr. Lawrence Mallette and Dr. Amelita Basa for their combined 40 years of Diabetic care. Their wealth of knowledge was a guiding light on a roadmap of many detours. Afterall, Era Bell did look forward to coffee and pastries every afternoon at 3. We would be remiss if we did not give thanks to Dr. Felipe Samaniego for his soft and compassionate care while treating Mom's cancer. It was a scary and stressful time and he was able to give us hope and build our confidence in the treatments offered at MDA. Last, but certainly not least, we acknowledge early detection and direction of Mom's diabetes by Dr. Nancy Dickey in 1985. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Graveside Services will be held at Davis Greenlawn Cemetery on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 11am.

For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org) or MD Anderson (https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate.html) in her memory.

Condolence messages may be written for the Otto family at www.garmanycarden.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.