Daisy I. Cote, 1904-2003, Versailles

Daisy I. Cote, 99, of Versailles, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles.

She was born July 14, 1904, near Savannah, a daughter of Frank and Cora Snowden Jefferies. On March 22, 1923, in St. Joseph, she was married to Donald Oyler Sr., who died in 1942. On June 4, 1952, she was married Lt. William Cote, who died Jan. 28, 1972.

Mrs. Cote joined the Women's Army Corps after the death of her first husband. She was stationed with the 8th Air Force in Tampa, Fla. After six months, she was sent to Europe as a cryptographer serving in England, France and Germany. After V.E. Day, she returned to the United States. She was assigned Fort Knox, Ky., and the Pentagon. She later served with the 8th Army in Yukahome, Japan, where she was a cryptographer security accountant. After three years in Japan, she returned to the United States and left the Army. After her second husband served a tour of duty in Taiwan, they moved to Chico, Calif.

She was a 40-year member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was past worthy matron of Josephine Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star and mother advisor and grand deputy of Rainbow Girls.

Surviving are a son, Donald Oyler, of Versailles; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Garber Memorial Estates Cemetery in Laurie, with the Rev. Sid Robbins officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Gravois Mills United Methodist Church.