Betty Jo Cole
September 23, 1928-January 28, 2005
Betty Jo Cole, 76, of 16 S. 14th Street, Niles, Michigan, died of natural causes on Friday, January 28, 2005, in the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Fla.
She was born on September 23, 1928, in Niles, to the late Thomas Medders and Bessie Lee (Higgins) Faye. On August 26, 1950, she married John W. O'Brien, who preceded her in death on June 17, 1962.
She was a retired bookkeeper for Penrod-Hiawatha of Berrien Springs, Michigan, and was a lifetime resident, except for winters spent in Florida. She was a member of the Lady Elks.
Jo will always be remembered as a kind, devoted wife, mother and friend; she was the perfect grandmother. She loved books and music; she collected antiques and kept a beautiful home. She was a great cook and enjoyed celebrating holidays with her family. Jo was as sharp as a tack and gave good advice; she had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a generous person who was always there when we needed her. She was very loving and was very much loved in return. Her sweetness, intelligence, humor and love have given us many happy memories. Thank you, Mom, for all you gave to us. We miss you.
On April 3, 1964, in Niles, she married Max E. Cole, who survives. Also surviving are four daughters, Maureen (Dan) Topash of Buchanan, Michigan, Christine (Jim) Schrop of Park Ridge, Illinois, Patrice Girard and Sally (John) Wiltrout, both of South Bend; a son, Daniel O'Brien of Austin, Texas; a stepson, Jeffrey Cole of Elkhart; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Private memorial services for family will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. Burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
Memorials may be made to the charity of donor's choice.
The Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, is handling arrangements.