Glenice Ann Cole

Glenice Ann Cole, age 94, of Millbury, Ohio, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024.  She spent her final days in her home surrounded by her loving children, granddaughters, great grandchildren, and close friends.  Glenice was born on October 14, 1929, in Elliston, Ohio to Ferdinand and Anna (Kunkel) Hansen. She was the youngest of four children always looking up to her sisters Irene and Florence and protective doting brother, Merlyn. She often shared stories of fond memories growing up on the farm at McGee Marsh and enjoying time with her nieces and nephews when she was just a teen.

Glenice loved her family fiercely, always putting them first. After marrying the love of her life, Melvin Cole, she was a no nonsense yet loving mother to her four children Gary, Judy (deceased), Beth, and David. As a grandmother, her five granddaughters were her pride and joy. She was a strong woman and a powerful example teaching them all to be brave, bold, independent, loyal, and to speak up about what matters and what is right.

In 1969, Glenice started working as a secretary at Hunt-Wesson Foods where she met lifelong friends that she stayed in touch with long after she retired. As recently as this year, she still received visits from her former boss. One of her granddaughter's favorite memories is of Glenice sewing and wearing a Hunt’s inspired tomato costume to a Halloween party.

Glenice always kept herself busy, which she contributed to her longevity. Over the years, she enjoyed many hobbies including ballroom dancing, bowling, dart board, and walking just to name a few. Traveling was something she definitely loved! Road trips to West Virginia with her children and then grandchildren created lasting memories for all. She traveled to Alaska and Europe, took trips to Florida and California, she loved visiting family in other states and trips to Amish Country. Just eight years ago, she traveled to Washington, DC to her oldest great-granddaughter’s high school graduation, followed by a big family beach vacation with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Glenice was always ready for an adventure, especially if her family was involved.

As a long time, member of St Peter’s Church in Millbury, Glenice taught Sunday School and volunteered during summer Bible School late into her life. Her church family was very important to her and where many of her close friendships were formed. It was a challenge for her to attend weekly during the last couple years of her life and she truly missed being present regularly.

Glenice was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Melvin, her daughter, Judy (Cole) Evanoff, her sons-in-law, George Evanoff and Fred Ayres, siblings Irene (Roder) Goeckerman, Florence Weddell, and Merlyn Hansen, and nieces Lois Base and Jane Buhro.

Left Surviving to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are her children Gary (Tisha) Cole, Beth Ayres, and David Cole; granddaughters Angela (Brad) Blandin, Sarah Hawley, Annie Hawley, Jessica Cole, and Monica Fowler; great-grandchildren Ali Reed, Grace Blandin, Kaden Kim, Jarrett Blandin, Zachary Blandin, Anaya Hawley Ayodeji, Morgann Blandin, and Xzavier Garrett; beloved nephews and nieces.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Peter United Church of Christ, 28505 Main St., Millbury, OH, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the church at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Elliston Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Freck Funeral Chapel , Oregon, OH.