Julia Otten

Age 71, of Elmira NY died Tuesday February 25, 2014, unexpectedly at St. Joseph's Hospital, after a long battle with diabetes and heart disease. Julia, the daughter of Robert C. and Elma (Yeni) Rosekrans, was born in Waverly NY on September 9, 1942. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Benjamin A. and Jessica S. Otten, Berkeley CA with their daughter Charlotte Laurel; father Robert C. Rosekrans, Dryden NY; sister Janet Rosekrans, Philmont NY; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Thomas and Karen Otten, Cincinnatti OH, Frances Otten, Tuxedo Park NY and Sarah Otten, Charlotte NC; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and a large group of close friends. Julia was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Benjamin J. Otten. She was a graduate of Wilmington College in Wilmington OH. While at college she met Ben and they were married at the college chapel on August 22, 1965. She taught English at Tenora High School in Defiance OH, and Freshman English at Elmira College in the 1980's. Recently she returned to the education field as an expert peanut butter sandwich maker and pizza server for the Elmira City School District. Like her husband, Julia had a long time association with the Boy Scouts. She was a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 101 of Hendy Avenue School and ran the Nature and Crafts program at the Sullivan Trail Council's Summer Day Camp in Millport. Julia's love of the outdoors, nature and crafts, continued long afterwards as demonstrated by her extensive outdoor gardens and her long time association with a local club of other like-minded "crafty" women. Friends and relatives are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Thursday March 6, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 6:15 p.m. Burial will be at Scotchtown Cemetery in Erin. Julia asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley, P.O. Box 3493, Elmira NY 14905.