Betty L. Cole

Betty Louise Cole passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2015 at the age of 94 years, 7 months, and 23 days. She was born to Ernest and Maud Osborn Rowe on March 11, 1921 in Jewell, Kansas. Betty was the youngest of four sisters, including Ernestine Scantland, Ethel Clark, and AnnaBelle Cross (all deceased). Betty was raised in a farming family. Her father passed away when Betty was just an infant, but her mother was able to keep the farm going while moving the girls into Jewell city limits where they ran a boarding house for teachers. The girls would help on the farm when needed and would sell eggs and produce in town.

Betty attended Jewell grade school and high school, and upon graduating, she attended Emporia State University where she earned her teaching certificate.

She was united in marriage to Clarence Cole on July 6, 1941, at which time they moved to San Diego, California while Clarence was stationed in the Service during World War II. While in San Diego, Betty worked at JC Penneys.

After the war, the couple returned home to Kansas and Clarence started working for the Gas Service Company in Ellsworth, KS. After a few years, Clarence was transferred to Lincoln, KS where the couple lived for 26 years, raising their two daughters Jackie and Jolene. While in Lincoln, they were active in many civic organizations, enjoyed playing cards with friends and traveling. Betty worked for Skelgas Department Store for a few years and then opened her own dress shop, Betty J's Style Shop which she owned and operated with the help of her daughters.

In 1970 Clarence was moved to the Gas Office in Beloit, KS while Betty worked for Town & Country Dress Shop. They continued to reside in Beloit for many years after retirement. They spent their weekends camping and fishing at the lake and were avid fans of the Kansas City Royals. The couple purchased a motor home and traveled to all 48 continental states as well as Canada and Mexico. They also purchased a winter home in Texas where they enjoyed the 'sweet life' in the warm weather.

Betty remained close with her sisters throughout her life and celebrated all of life's events with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Jackie (Merlin) Fobes of Beloit, KS and Jolene Cole (Morton) of Lincoln, KS, as well as 6 grandchildren Derek Fobes, Kimbre Middleton, Amy (Matthew) Sanchez, Nicole (Ronnie) Fitzgerald, Joel (Jana) Morton, and Misti (AJ) Tyson, along with 10 great grandchildren.

Betty was a lifelong member of the Christian Church as well as the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a dedicated and loyal wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the McDonald Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the Ile Hillman Scholarship Fund.