Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Joan Frances Cole, age 94, of Genoa, OH passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the Genoa Retirement Village. She was born on June 24, 1930 to Carl and Frances (Dickes) Ritter in Findlay, OH. On December 19, 1948 she married George Franklin Cole in Findlay, OH. Joan and George raised 5 children and celebrated over 64 years of marriage before George’s passing in 2013.
Joan worked as waitress for Truck Stop of America 34 years before retiring at age 74. Joan put off retirement as long as she could because she was so adored by the drivers due to her wit and sense of humor. Joan took an active interest in their circumstances and lives. In her younger years she worked for a magician who sawed her in half, she also worked as a receptionist for a doctor’s office in Findlay. As a woman of faith, she was a proud member of Zion Lutheran Church in Latcha. She enjoyed to crochet, and was an avid reader. She loved the family fish fries, and it was spending time with her family that brought her the most joy.
Joan is survived by her children: Steve (Janis) Cole of Northwood, Sandy Hobbs of TN, Sharon Pullella of Oregon, Oh, Shelia Smith of Toledo, and Stuart (Kim) Cole of Risingsun. 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and friend and her maid of honor at her wedding; Mary Karcher. In addition to her husband George, who she took loving care of until his death. She was preceded in death by her mother; Frances (Johnny) Lunn, and her father Carl (Irene) Ritter.
Family and friends will be received 11a.m. to 12 p.m., with a Memorial Service at 12 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2025 at Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home, 110 W. Main Street, Luckey, OH.
Joan will laid to rest next to George at a family committal service, in Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay, OH. The family would like to thank the Genoa Retirement Village family for their exceptional care and love they provided our mother.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to: A charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement or share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com .
