Esmeralda "Ezzy" Cottman, 52, of Defiance and formerly of Lima OH, died at 4:45 pm Tuesday, January 2, 2013, at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, Defiance.

She was born March 14, 1960, in San Juan, Texas, the daughter of Alfredo G. and Maria V. (Villarreal) Castillo, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband Richard E. Cottman. Esmeralda worked at Lima Memorial Hospital, St. Rita's Medical Center and the Court Café. She enjoyed cooking and being with her many animals, Herbie (Cockatiel), Chica, Rico, Wolverine, Lucia, Sophia, (Chihuahuas), Sheba (Chow) and Lola (Boston Terrier). She was an avid Michigan Wolverine fan. She was a seamstress and was involved with the Encore Theater productions.

She is survived by four brothers, Mario Gonzalez of Defiance, Erasmo Gonzalez of Butler IN, Pablo (Beth) Castillo of Defiance, Gilbert (Norma) Martinez of Defiance; three sisters, Judy Tovar of Defiance, Elizabeth (Jon) Edwards of Lima and Patricia Castillo of Easley SC.

Esmeralda loved all of her nieces and nephews; Dustin, Darren, and Daniel Gonzalez, of Defiance, Nevaeh and Ian Gonzalez, North Carolina, Derick (Ashley) and Drew Edwards, of Elida, Emilee, Chelsea and Katelyn Castillo, of Defiance, and Genero Tovar, of Columbus, OH.

Visitation will be 10:00 am – 12 noon Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12 noon, with Pastor George Hernandez officiating.

Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.