Virginia M. Cole

Virginia M. Cole, 92, formerly of Bucyrus and Fremont, passed peacefully at Kirtland Rehabilitation and Care Center.

Virginia was born December 1, 1930 in Bucyrus, Ohio to the late Leo and Bessie (Zaebst) Rittenhour. She graduated from Bucyrus High School and on January 4, 1949, married Robert L. Cole who preceded her in death on March 31, 2013. Soon after marriage, their family moved to Fremont, where Virginia worked for JC Penney in the catalog dept. She enjoyed many years spent with the company and retired at age 59.

Virginia had a winning smile and will be remembered as a generous and loving lady who enjoyed gathering with family. She was a good cook and enjoyed hosting for the holidays. Virginia was very proud of her children and cherished countless memories shared with them over the years. There were many lunch dates and shopping trips with her daughter, and she always looked forward to listening to her son perform with his singing group, North Coast Men’s Chorus. She was known to have occasionally spoiled her grandchildren, especially her only granddaughter. For many years, Virginia maintained her weekly hair appointment and always had a sweet tooth for anything chocolate, especially a milkshake. She spent countless wonderful hours tending to her flowers and as a hobby, collected angels and butterfly décor. For relaxation, she enjoyed browsing magazines and loved watching any type of crime show mystery.

She will be missed by her daughter, Deborah Kleinschmit of Mechanicsville, VA; son, Richard (Bryan Fetty) Cole of Cleveland; grandchildren, Lindsay (Travis) Rothstein, Jeff Kleinschmit and Steve (Kym) Kleinschmit; great grandchildren, Kaydon, Preston and Jackson Rothstein, Jennifer (T.J.) Hanchett, and Adam, Paige, and Madisyn Kleinschmit as well as a niece and nephew whom she was particularly close, Linda Schifer and David Schiefer.

Virginia was preceded in death by her stepfather, Gurney Shupp; son-in-law, Robin Kleinschmit and siblings, Esther (Elvin) Schiefer, Arthur, Robert (Anna Marie), and Lloyd (Corrine) Rittenhour.

Her family will receive friends from 11 – 12 pm Friday, February 24 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio, where her funeral will begin that day at 12:00 pm with Certified Celebrant, Mark Dettmer officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Donations can be made payable to either the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her tribute wall.