Eldora M. (Deneke) Cole, 87, of Russell, Kansas and formerly of Beverly, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Eldora was born December 18, 1932 in Beloit, Kansas, the daughter of Will and Justina (Gradig) Deneke.  She grew up on the family farm near Beloit, Kansas and graduated from St. John Catholic School.  She then obtained a Nursing Degree from Marymount College in Salina.

Eldora was united in marriage to Bill G. Cole on October 8, 1955 in Beloit.  This union was blessed with seven children; Jim, Ken, Don, Bob, Maxine, JoAnn and Dave.  They made their home in Beverly.  Bill preceded her in death in 2008.

Eldora was a Registered Nurse at the Lincoln Hospital for over 20 years.  She was a devoted wife and homemaker for her children when they were growing up and then returned to Nursing.  Earlier in life, she worked at the Missile Base near Shady Bend, Kansas as a nurse.  She was an active member in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell, and St. Patrick’s Alter Society.  In her spare time she enjoyed reading, playing cards and tending her garden. 

Eldora’s surviving family include her five sons, Jim Cole (Paula) of Greenville, Wisconsin, Ken Cole (Jaynell) of Russell, Kansas, Don Cole (Jan) of Willmar, Minnesota, Bob Cole (Kim) of Andale, Kansas, and Dave Cole (Sharon) of Fersfield, England; two daughters, Maxine Greene (Andy) of Hays, Kansas and JoAnn Mote (Tracy) of Weskan, Kansas; brother, Bernard Deneke (Pat) of Highland Ranch, Colorado; sister Tillie St. Germaine of Peabody, Massachusetts; fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Eldora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; sister, Rosella; and brothers, Sylvester, Ed and Norbert.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, Kansas.  Burial will follow at the Beverly City Cemetery in Beverly, Kansas.  The family will be present to greet friends from 9:30 AM, to Service time, Wednesday at the Church.  A Memorial has been established with the St. Patrick’s Alter Society.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.