Mary Belle Cole

Mary Belle Cole, age 87, of Grants Pass, died Friday, September 16, 2011 at her home.

Mary was born September 21, 1923 in Springfield, Missouri to Barney & Ella Fisher. On May 19, 1940 in Springfield she married Leon Van Hooser, who preceded her in death in 1961. In 1959 she began working as a practical nurse at Riverside Hospital in North Hollywood, California and over the years worked in many hospitals until retiring in 1972 from Shadow Hills Convalescent Hospital in Sunland, California. On April 6, 1983 in Acapulco, Mexico she married Harlan Cole who also preceded her in death in 1999. In May 2009 she moved from Valencia, California to Grants Pass.

Mary enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, and traveling.

Survivors includes two daughters, Sharon Thompson of Grants Pass, Oregon and Mary Conway of Chandler, Arizona; a sister, Joyce Choppin of Peoria, Arizona; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Van Hooser in 1983.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2011 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with Father Todd Young officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 224 NW D Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.