Jody Kothman was born JoAn Ackerman on November 24, 1929 in Los Angeles, California, and passed away peacefully on September 18 at the Bishop Care Center with family by her side.

She was the only child of Swedish immigrant Torsten Ackerman and Indiana native Dorothy Vogel.

Always wanting a large family, her goal was achieved when she married Don Kothman in 1953 and became part of the Kothman Clan.

Having moved to Bishop as a teenager, the rest of her 94 years were lived in Bishop raising her children and others whose moms were working or away. Her joy and purpose in life was in caring for her husband, four children, extended family, home and church.

She was present at the beginning of Grace Lutheran Mission Church in Benton in the late 1940’s and remained a member of Grace until her death. Jody taught children and adult Bible classes for many years. She was involved in numerous church activities and especially enjoyed the morning Women’s Bible Study group.

Jody was an amazing artist, preferring pencil, chalk and charcoal, and portraiture was her favorite expression. While her family enjoyed her work, she was shy to make public any of her drawings; the one exception was Christ with the crown of thorns which still hangs in the narthex of Grace Church.

Jody is survived by her by her children: Kathie (Marvin) Keesler; Linda McConnell; Susan (Rick) Laituri; Steve (Ann) Kothman.

Grandchildren: Melissa (Rob) Motley; Christian (Renelle) Keesler; Ami (Ken) Baker; Jody DeSousa; Clint Reeve; Garrett (Jennifer) Laituri; Zoe (David) Weatherford; Grahm Kothman.

17 Great grandchildren and 7 great-greats.

She is also survived by the last of the original California Kothman family, brother-in-law Bob and wife Sharon of Santa Rosa and many, many nieces, nephews and dear church family. (A large family, indeed!)

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Don, in 2013 and her childhood friend and most loved only cousin, Billy Elsasser.

Known for her laughter, her strong faith and kind spirit, Jody will be missed by all who loved her.

The family is deeply grateful to everyone at the Care Center, her roommates there, Dr. Boo and Rural Health Care staff, and all the caregivers who truly “cared” for her during her last few years. Thank you all. God bless you.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of next year.