Ruth Elizabeth Cole

Ruth Elizabeth Cole, age 94, passed away on August 14, 2026 after a long and fulfilling life. Ruth was born on March 29, 1932 in Picher, Oklahoma. She and her family lived in Wichita, Kansas for a while, but eventually settled in Lincoln, Arkansas, where she graduated from high school and began working as a nurse assistant.

Ruth was serving in a hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, when she met Clarence Cole. They married on October 15, 1950, and enjoyed 69 years of life together before Clarence’s death in 2019. They moved to the Denver, Colorado area in 1957 and lived there for the remainder of their lives.

Ruth was a stay-at-home mom for much of her life, pouring her heart into raising four children. In later years, she was a successful real estate agent and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and other agencies. She and Clarence were also instrumental in helping start Colorado Christian Services, a Christian adoption agency still in existence in Littleton, Colorado. They and their family were devoted Christians and remained actively involved in the church throughout their lives, serving God and others in many capacities.

Ruth is survived by her four children, Russ Cole of Westminster, CO, Doug Cole of Temecula, CA, Sharon Russell of Owasso, OK, and Greg Cole of Thornton, CO. Ruth was also blessed with 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Ruth also has one surviving sibling, Anna Russell, of Collinsville, OK, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at the Horan & McConaty Funeral Home on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 9:30 AM. Reception to follow. Ruth will be interred with her husband at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 1:30 that afternoon.

Flowers may be sent to the Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229. Donations can be made to Colorado Christian Services adoption agency, 3959 E Arapahoe Rd #200, Centennial, CO 80122.