Jan S. Cole

Janipher Sue Cole, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, was born December 20, 1941, to Duane W. and Betty (Leonard) Derr at Arvada, Colorado. She departed this life on December 12, 2024, at Red Cloud, Nebraska at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 12 days.

Jan received her formal education attending the Arvada schools where she was very social and participated in the choir. Following graduation she worked several jobs where her social skills shined. Jan met the love of her life at her future mother-in-law's beauty shop. Mabel Cole asked her son, Pat, to drive Jan home on a rainy afternoon after getting her hair done. This led to Jan's marriage with George "Pat" Cole on October 14, 1962, at Arvada. This union was blessed with two sons, Timothy and James.

Jan and Pat followed their dreams and opened the Barcelona Restaurant in Frederick, Colorado. Following the closing of that business, they tried their hands at different careers. To be closer to the family, they moved to Guide Rock, Nebraska in 1981, opening the Barcelona Restaurant where pots and pans were lovingly thrown about for 27 years. Jan's social skills were evident as she welcomed and served many customers that quickly became friends and family. After retiring in November of 2008, they became happy homemakers allowing them to spend time with their children and grandkids. After Pat's death on April 22, 2009, Jan lived in their home where she hosted social gatherings such as their monthly coffee. Jan's life was one of generosity, compassion and a dedication to serve others. Her love for her community was exemplified by her commitment and involvement in a number of organizations including the United Methodist Church, the Methodist Women, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Red Hat Club just to name a few. In her leisure time to enjoyed reading and collecting Aunt Jemima memorbilia. Her love for her family was at the center of everything she did.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Pat, and an infant sister.

Leaving a legacy of warmth and kindness, she is survived by her sons, Timothy Alan Cole and wife Michele; and James Robert Cole and partner, Linda; grandchildren: Haley (Zeb) Webber, Caitlin (John) Harvey, Lee (Courtney) Armstrong, Andrew Cole, Grace Cole and Faith Cole; great grandchildren: Marlee, Teagan, Silas, Lager Webber; Austynn and Dawson Harvey; Tylee and Savanna Cole; Swoone and Archer Armstrong; and Salem Lauritsen; brothers and sisters, Gary (Joyce) Derr; Kathy Lunbery, Diana Weber and Mike (Amy) Derr; other relatives and her many friends.

Graveside services were 10:00 am, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Guide Rock Cemetery with the Rev. Warren Schoming officiating. A Celebration of Life and lunch was held at 11:00 am, Saturday at the Guide Rock Gymnasium.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com