Florence Cole

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Florence LeVale Schaeffer Cole, on June 3, 2018, in Madison, Wisconsin, at the age of 103. Florence was born in Helena, Montana, to John George Schaeffer and Estella Lockey Schaeffer on September 29, 1914. Four years later, she was joined by her sister, Minnie Mae. Florence grew up in Helena, and left to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. After receiving her Bachelor's degree, she attended Iowa State University, where she received a Master's Degree in Home Economics, specializing in the efficiency of kitchen appliances, which were becoming ever more popular.

While at Iowa State, she met her future husband, Basil Chambrus Cole, of Bowling Green, Kentucky. After they were married in 1939, they moved to Bowling Green, where Basil became a professor at Western State Teachers College (now Western Kentucky University), and Florence was active in supporting his teaching. Later, they moved to Kirkwood, Missouri, where he worked for the Seven-Up Company in St. Louis. He died in 1987.

She enjoyed traveling, gardening and playing the piano and ukulele with Basil. For many years she served as a volunteer docent at the St. Louis Art Museum, and was a lifelong member of PEO.

Florence was an extremely loyal and supportive person. She loved Montana, Montana State University, Western Kentucky University, and, most of all, friends and family. Later in life, she moved from Missouri to Madison, Wisconsin, and lived at Oakwood Village, where she was active in bridge groups, book club, exercise classes and volunteering (the resale shop and grocery store). She never missed an opportunity to attend a grandchild's recital or sporting event.

Florence is survived by her three children: Sandra (Marty) Coyle of Bodega Bay, California, William (Carol) Cole of Greenbrae, California and Arlington, Virginia, and Robert (Mary) Cole of Madison, Wisconsin. In addition, she leaves ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Florence made friends wherever she lived or traveled, and will be terribly missed.

We thank Oakwood Village for helping mother have a full life for the past 16 years.

A visitation will start at 10 am and a memorial service to follow at 11 am on June 23, 2018 at the Oakwood Village - Resurrection Chapel, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison. A luncheon will follow. A service will also be planned in Mt. Pisgah, Kentucky, where she will be buried beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in her honor to The Oakwood Foundation, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, or the charity of your choice.