Nancy Cole

Nancy Ruth (Wilbur) Cole, age 87, Pensacola, FL

Nancy Ruth (Wilbur) Cole passed away peacefully in Pensacola, FL, on January 17, 2024.  She was born to Edwin and Marion Wilbur in Baldwinsville, NY, on March 13, 1936.  Nancy graduated from Onondaga Valley Academy in Syracuse, NY, in 1954, and married Robert Arthur “Bob” Cole that same year.

As newlyweds, Nancy and Bob moved to where his Navy career took them, including to Pace, FL, where they later returned and raised their family.  Nancy was a member of Eastern Star and also spent her children’s school years actively involved in PTA, band boosters and quarterback club in Pace schools.  She served on the Santa Rosa County School Board and became active in Republican state politics through the Bush years.

After the early passing of her husband, Bob, in 1996, Nancy and her sister, Helen, traveled frequently, including to Alaska multiple times where they enjoyed experiencing wildlife and visiting their favorite quilt shops.  Nancy was an avid quilter, enjoyed cross stitch and embroidery, and sewed clothing for her children and grandchildren.  She was also a voracious reader and always had a book at hand. 

In addition to her husband, Bob, Nancy was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Kenneth Wilbur; her sister, Helen Wilbur; and her beloved daughter, Valerie Weekley.  She is survived by her son, Robert Cole, and his wife, Julia; her daughter, Abbe Trent, and her husband, Jesse; and her son, Carl Cole, and his wife, Michelle, as well as grandchildren, Ashley and Nicklaus Barnes, Hannah and Aidan Cole, Zane and Martin Trent; great granddaughter, Cataleya Barnes; sister-in-law, Kathleen Hopkins; and three nieces, Susan Dula, Patricia King and Ann Morgese, and their families.

Visitation will take place at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze, FL on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 10 AM with service at 11 AM, Rev. David Gibson officiating and Rose Lawn Funeral Home directing.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Milton Library, c/o Santa Rosa County Library, 6275 Dogwood Drive, Milton, FL 32570; Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, PO Box 1303, Pensacola, FL 32596; or phoenixrisingrescue.com.