Linda Ann Cole

It breaks my heart that Linda Ann Cole (Wallender), of Ashtabula, Ohio, passed October 5, 2026, at Saybrook Landing after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Known to most as “Murphy”. Born February 7, 1947, to George and Florence Wallender, she graduated from Harbor High School class of 1965.

She began working at The Swedish Pastry while still in school and continued several years serving coffee and pastries to the early morning customers and decorating beautiful cakes. She later worked for a couple years at KFC and then 13 years at Austinburg Burger King until she retired in 2009.

She met Randy Cole in 1992 and they married on February11, 1993. Together they enjoyed 34 years of love and happiness, she was always involved in his interests, gardening and canning, fishing, camping (even in the winter), hunting, bowling, darts, golf, target shooting (she could really group her .270 @100yds). She also enjoyed decorating cakes, collecting blue glass, being outdoors, music, crocheting beautiful Afghans she was known for, spending time with her daughters eating S’mores around the fire on the patio and the holidays, and animals, especially cats. No cat was a stranger to her, strays and ferals that no one could get near would cuddle on her lap.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Cole; daughters, Dawn Johnson (Murphy) of Nashville, TN, Julie Murphy of Pheonix, AZ; grandson Aidan Johnson of Nashville, and Kitty Oscar.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dr. Tom Wallender.

There will be no public funeral or calling hours observed.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be mailed to Randy Cole, 1945 E. 44th, Ashtabula, OH 44004. Or donate to a LOCAL APL or no-kill animal shelter; or to Alzheimer’s research.

The family would like to thank Saybrook Landing, all the staff and nurses for the exceptional care you’ve provided over the past 3 ½ years and Kim and Karren for helping with admission, and a very special thank you to Stephanie!

Stephanie, what you do and how you do it is priceless! You brought her out of sadness and confusion and brought her smile back. You made her time there happy and cheerful; she loved you and lit up every time she saw you! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Thank you for being her friend, thank you for being you!

We also want to thank Bella Care Hospice for being with her and comforting her during her final moments.

Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, are handling her final proceedings. (440)361-2273 www.lakeeriecremationandfuneralservices.com