Mary Ann Cole

Mary Ann Cole, 88, of Walla Walla, was gently called home on January 22, 2026, cradled in the love of her family at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. She departed in an atmosphere of profound peace, leaving behind a life that was a beautiful testament to quiet faith, gentle resilience, and a spirit that illuminated all who knew her.

Mary Ann was born on September 20, 1937, in Walla Walla to Arthur and Martha Carle. Her life’s most cherished chapter began in her youth when she met Delbert Cole; their story started when his family moved to Walla Walla so he could attend Pioneer Middle School and Walla Walla High School. They married on September 8, 1956, and together built a loving family. Above all, Mary Ann was the heart of her home, the steady, nurturing presence around which her family’s life revolved. Their devoted partnership spanned 74 remarkable years, including 67 years of marriage, until Delbert’s passing in 2023.

Following her 1955 graduation from Walla Walla High School, Mary Ann furthered her education at Eastern Washington University and Whitman College. She later embarked on a dedicated career in healthcare, beginning in the laboratory at St. Mary’s Hospital. She then built a significant career at the Walla Walla Clinic, progressing to the management of the Cardio-Pulmonary Department.

Mary Ann and Delbert remained active with their Walla Walla High School class of 1955 for many years, cherishing lifelong friendships forged over decades of shared memories and social gatherings. These bonds were a constant source of joy throughout their lives.

Mary Ann’s life was deeply rooted in faith and community as a lifelong member of Walla Walla Presbyterian Church. She cherished the music and held a special regard for Pastor Albert. Her warm presence and generous spirit left a lasting, positive impression on everyone she met. Mary Ann lived a life of profound service, where generosity was not merely an act but the very essence of her character. She found deep purpose in quietly lifting others up, whether volunteering in the church kitchen, teaching a youth group, baking for family and neighbors, or offering comfort to a friend. She possessed the rare gift of seeing a need and filling it with both grace and a warm smile, ensuring everyone was cared for and well-fed. More than a mother, she was a living testament to the power of putting others first. To know Mary Ann was to experience true kindness.

She found profound joy in life’s simple blessings: the laughter of her grandchildren, the quiet beauty of her garden, the warmth of a well-told story, and the companionship of a shared cup of tea. Her strength was gentle, her faith was deep, and her capacity for love was truly boundless. Mary Ann and Delbert dedicated many years to providing steadfast support to their grandchildren. They offered their time and guidance through various activities, including the Pioneer Posse, the Wagonettes, and the Walla Walla Fair Court. Their involvement in these pursuits reflected a broader, lifelong commitment to serving their community with unwavering generosity and effort.

Mary Ann’s Christmas celebrations were a heartfelt expression of her care for others. She took immense joy in preparing holiday meals, baking, and crafting her signature treats—rich fudge, delicate divinity, and crunchy peanut brittle. Each year, she thoughtfully assembled snack trays for everyone in her circle, turning her generosity into a cherished tradition. Her iconic confections and delicious abundance became a hallmark of the season.

Mary Ann also delighted in the arts, especially the vibrant energy of live theater. She loved attending Broadway shows in Spokane and other venues and was an ardent fan of Celtic Thunder. After taking in a live Celtic show with Darren and Delia in October 2025, she was already eagerly anticipating the group’s next tour before she had even left the venue, a testament to her love of music and her enthusiastic spirit.

She was also a loving caretaker to many pets over the years, finding particular joy and solace in her later companions: her Whippet, Snickers, and especially her miniature dachshund, Chuck, whose loyal companionship was a constant comfort.

Mary Ann and Delbert shared a lifelong passion for exploration, journeying together from the scenic coastlines of Hawaii and Oregon to historic sites across Canada, Scandinavia, Italy, and the Middle East, building a world of shared memories.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the emergency department and third-floor staff at Providence St. Mary’s Hospital. Their compassionate and dedicated care was a profound comfort.

Mary Ann is survived by her loving family: Her daughter, Lora Crawford (Russ), and their children: Dr. Katherine Crawford and Patrick Crawford (Avery). Her son, Darren Cole (Delia Duran), and his children: Andrea Kerr (Kaden Kerr, Arabella Kerr, and Xander Chlipala), and Derek Cole. Her son, Greg Cole (Jennine), and their children: Melissa Bowe (Patrick) (Riley, Blake, and Joslyn Bowe), Andrew Cole, and Tanner Cole (Stephanie) (Scarlet, Harlow, and Rowley Cole), as well as Miranda Kimball (Seth), and (Harper Kimball).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Delbert; her parents, Arthur and Martha Carle; and her brother, Edward Carle.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 3:00 PM –6:00 PM at Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. Interment will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S 2nd Ave, Walla Walla. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM at Walla Walla Presbyterian Church, 325 S 1st Ave, Walla Walla, officiated by Pastor Albert Gillin. A reception will be held after the service.

Memorial donations may be made in Mary Ann’s name to the Blue Mountain Humane Society of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.