Marilyn Cole

Marilyn Cole, 80, of Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2026, at 2:17 p.m., following a battle with lung and bone cancer.

Born on April 24, 1946, in Geneva, Ohio, Marilyn was the daughter of Luther and Laura Whited. She attended Geneva High School and was a devoted Christian whose greatest role in life was caring for her family. On January 2, 1965, she married the love of her life James Clile Cole, the two spent the next 57 years together until his passing.

Marilyn was much more than a mother to her own children. She was a loving and caring presence to many nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children, welcoming them into her life and treating them with kindness and love. She had a special place in her heart for the children she helped raise and guide, leaving a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to know her.

Marilyn was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and confidant. She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely and the many lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Clile Cole, who passed away in 2022; her parents, Luther and Laura Whited; grandparents, LeeRoy E. (Cora Ann) Whited, William E. (Sallie) Davis; her son, William Cole; her grandchildren, David James Cole in 2011, Marsal and Morgan Ciaravino in 2026; siblings, Margalene Whited, Julius (Lee) Whited, Melvin (Isla) Whited, Sally Hall, Naomia (Boets) (Frankin) Watkins, Ronald (Willadene) Whited, Alan Whited, and Helen (Hewey) Sterman.

Marilyn leaves behind her loving family, including her daughter, Laura Conn; Jerry Cole and Redina Cole; her grandchildren, Brandi (Michael) Ciaravino, and Seth Conn; her great-grandchildren, Kyle Campos, Mason Ciaravino, Olivia Ciaravino, Braylon Ciaravino, and Lincoln Ciaravino. She is also survived by her siblings, Carolyn Tuomala, Jerry (Donna) Whited, Glenn (George) Kay Whited, along with many other relatives and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

Calling hours will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10am-1pm at Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, with a service beginning at 12:30pm. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Geneva at 1:30pm. A celebration of life gathering will take place from 2-5pm at the Austinburg Community Center, 2794 OH-307, Austinburg, OH 44010.

Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted the family with arrangements. (440) 361-2273. www.LakeErieCrematory.com