Obituary: Cole, Betty Jean
Age 84
A private burial service for her immediate family will take place at Fairmount Memorial Park.
Extended family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life at one of her favorite gathering places, the S.S. Beryl Restaurant at 6404 N. Wall St. on Saturday, November 1, between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
In remembrance, please consider donations to the Hospice House of Spokane South, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210, hospiceofspokane.org.
Betty was born April 26, 1930 to Ole and Theresa Christiansen of Rockford, WA, where she was raised and graduated from High School.
After graduation, she was working for The Spokesman-Review when she was set up on a date with a handsome airman named Gillis Cole, who was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base.
They fell quickly in love and were married in 1949.
Soon their family grew with two daughters, Judy and Pam - Betty’s true joy.
In the military, the family spent four memorable years in Europe.
Upon Gillis’ retirement in 1965, the family came back home to Spokane.
Betty worked for Gonzaga University for 27 years and retired as registrar there.
She was proud of her work accomplishments as well as those of her colleagues and students.
She remained a champion of the University throughout her life.
She continued her love of travel, golf, but also spending time at the family cabin on the Pend Oreille River.
She enjoyed escaping from the Washington winter to spend time at her home in Mesa, AZ.
Betty loved people.
She was out-going, fun, and energetic.
Her enthusiasm for life surrounded her with many friends.
Above of all, she was a true, loving mother and grandmother.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Gillis, and five siblings who included her sister and best friend Elsie Snyder.
She is survived by her daughters Judy Cole and Pam (Mike) Marte; granddaughters Jodi Long, Delene (Jason) Chapman, and Whitney (Chris) Bannish; great-grandchildren Brock Bannish and Marlee Chapman with one on the way; as well as extended family Brian and Michelle Smasne and their children Riley and Owen.