Karen Mae Cole

Karen is now resting peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Karen was born in Wenatchee, Washington, to Hugh and Fern Landreth. They lived in the Wenatchee area until her family moved to Grangeville, Idaho, where she completed her schooling, graduating from Grangeville High School in 1954. She went to Pepperdine University for a semester and then transferred to the University of Idaho, where she completed two years of advanced schooling.

She then went to work for a realtor in Spokane, Washington, until she married Mark Cole in June of 1957. After living throughout the Northwest, Mark and Karen and their family settled in Walla Walla in 1971.

Karen was a member of The Church of Christ and involved in the many activities of the church, including teaching Bible Classes as well as volunteering at Iron Dyke Youth Camp for 15 years.

Karen enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and has probably seen as many ball games, school programs, and recitals as anyone. She learned to golf and joined the ladies’ club at Veterans Memorial, where she served a year as president. Karen and Mark enjoyed going to Lake Roosevelt, where she loved to fish for Walleye. She became very good at it, often outfishing her husband. Karen enjoyed family and friend get-togethers and took a genuine interest in others.

Karen is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Kathi DeBroeck (Dennis), Richard Cole (Val), and Michael Cole (Micky); sister, Sandra Hughes (Herman); 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Caryl Landreth.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at The Church of Christ, 1556 Hobson St, Walla Walla, on Saturday, February. 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Rick Ashlock officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.