Doris M. Cole, 88, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born November 21, 1935, in Westminster, England, to Richard and Doris (Warner) Hornsby. Doris lived a life filled with love, strength, and devotion.
On July 25, 1953, Doris married Robert Cole in Westminster, England. Doris’s legacy continues through her sons, Paul, Keith (Pam), Frank (Sandy), and James (Julie); her daughter, Marilyn (Cory) Connelly; and her grandchildren: Rich (Beth), Jeremiaha, lovingly known as Toad (Amy), David, Steven (Carly), Brian, Tracee (Jeff) Powell, Cassee, Anna (Adam) Knepper, and Trevor. She was also the proud great-grandmother of 15, and she cherished her special friend, Pat LaOrange, and stepson, Trace (Brenda) LaOrange.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Doris Hornsby; her husband, Robert; her son, William; her stepson, Michael LaOrange; her grandson, Michael; her great-grandson, Ethan; and her daughter-in-law, Candy.
Doris dedicated her career to Federal-Mogul, Presbyterian Manor, and Asbury/Salina Regional Hospital, where her dedication and warmth left a lasting impact. In retirement, she cherished summers at the Lake of the Ozarks. Known for her kind heart, unwavering resilience, and deep love for those around her, Doris was a pillar of strength and compassion to all who knew her.
Visitation with family and friends will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 20 at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, November 21 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Bennington Cemetery. The family kindly requests attendees wear casual attire to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Doris’s memory be made to the Bennington High School athletic department or Kenwood View Nursing Facility and may be left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Kenwood View Nursing Facility staff and Good Shepard Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Doris in her final days.
Doris’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, as well as the many lives she touched in the Bennington community, where she was known as "Mom Cole" to all. She will be deeply missed but forever celebrated.