Susan Jean “Susie” Cole, 73, of Salem, died Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
She was born on April 11, 1949, the daughter of Truman and Mary (Evans) Bartle, in Sandoval. She married the love of her life, John Cole, the boy she shared a Coke with at Taylor Maid in 7th grade, on December 28, 1968, in Sandoval, and he survives her in Salem.
Along with her devoted husband of 54 years, Susie is survived by her beloved daughter, Megan Ryce and her husband Luke, of Salem; her precious grandchildren: Nick, Emily, and Laine; her sisters: Polly Murray, Sally Shaw and husband Phil; sisters-in-law: Jane Sherhart and husband Vic, and Pam Basola and husband Marty; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Truman and Mary Bartle and her son, Josh Cole.
Susie truly valued education and after graduating from Sandoval High School, attended SIU Carbondale, along with her husband, John. Susie had an amazing gift for teaching. Every student lucky enough to experience a school day with Mrs. Cole, was forever changed and she is often described by her former students as the teacher that made the biggest difference and always a favorite. Susie taught in Sandoval, Odin, Olney, and retired from Ashley Grade School.
Susie was a beauty inside and out. She had a quick wit and a contagious charm that everyone was drawn to. Being a hippy at heart, she had a liberal mind and searched for the good in everyone. Susie loved decorating her home and yard, with major landscaping and flower gardening. She was artistic, creative, and loved singing, dancing, and performing in the theater. Acting in The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Centralia was her favorite and she loved being in that production.
She was an amazing wife to her husband, John, and they shared a true love story from that first Coke. They were helpful and supportive of one another. They laughed every single day. Susie was a loving mom who supported her daughter by listening and offering the softest place to land when needed. She was a favorite of her grandchildren and so proud to be their Grandma. Susie leaves a legacy that will never end as it lives on in each life she was a part of.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time to offer condolences to Susie’s family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family will hold a celebration of life service this summer. Memorials may be made in Susie’s honor to the donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of Susie may be shared with the family by visiting www.macfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
