February 26, 1921 - December 31, 2015
Barbara Carroll Cole Obituary
Barbara Carroll Cole was born February 26, 1921 in St. Maries, Idaho to Opal and Gerald Carroll. As a small child, she moved to Spokane and lived with her Mother and Grandmother. She excelled in school and enjoyed a social life. She was a member of the drama club and the Torch Society, the highest award attainable at Libby Junior High. At North Central High School, she was named Valedictorian and graduated early. Off to Washington State College, she pledged Pi Beta Phi sorority where she formed many cherished lifelong friendships. She also noticed a handsome young member of ROTC named George R. Cole sleeping in class. George shipped off to the European theater while Barbara graduated with honors in 1942. She married her college sweetheart on June 26, 1945, a week after George returned from WWII. They remodeled the chicken coop behind Opal?s brick house, and took up residence. Some of their fondest memories began there, including the birth of their first child, David, in 1950. Carol Anne was born in 1955. Mom worked briefly as a social worker for the County. They built a home in the valley and Mom became the quintessential housewife and mother of the 1950s and 60s ? chef extraordinaire and consummate entertainer, hosting frequent dinner parties with their good friends from WSC. The children were raised by a village, and loved every minute of their parties, full of laughter and big band music. Mom and Dad bought Grandma Opal?s business, Hercules Specialty Co., and built a small chain of successful automotive stores, Thrifty Auto Supply, Mom as the bookkeeper, Dad as the manager, which they sold when they retired in 1985. Regardless of her knack for business, Mom?s world revolved around her children. She set the bar high and celebrated our accomplishments with grand meals and small splurges. She loved to camp and fish, and was a supremely good sport when it came to trying activities that her children loved, namely skiing and golf. She was most proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She so effortlessly and selflessly gave to her family, her friends and her church community. She was a good friend to all and was always there to support and encourage, especially in challenging times. Her generosity was matched only by the magnitude of her smile and pitch of her laugh. Mom joined Dad in Heaven on New Year?s Eve, the biggest party night of the year, and we are certain they are dancing again to the Big Band music of their era. Mom is survived by son David (Robin) Cole, and daughter Carol Anne (Laird) Vanetta; grandchildren Jody (Jeremy) Wilson, Andrew Kurtz, Ryan Vanetta and Spencer Cole; great grandchildren triplets Audrey, Everett, and Oliver Wilson; nephew Steve Cole and nieces Debbie (Frank) Delfer and Kelly (Jack) Berka; cousin Mike (Resa) Briscoe; and many grand nephews, nieces, and cousins. The family wishes to thank Mom?s cherished friends and caregivers ? you became one and the same ? especially Lena and Yana from Lena?s Gentle Care, and Paul Allen. You enriched Mom?s life immeasurably and we are blessed by your presence. Remembrances may be made to the YMCA or SCRAPS. A celebration of Mom?s life will be held Friday, January 8, 2016 at 5 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane.
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