Ruth "Irene" Cole

Ruth "Irene" Cole, 93, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on May 6, 2022. Irene was born on June 22, 1928, the daughter of Howard and Ruth (Beach) Springer.

Irene married Dale Cole on January 6, 1945, and they began their married life on Dale's family farm on Dowling Road. Once retired, Dale and Irene bought a home on Gilkey Lake and shortly after Dale's death, she moved to Hastings.

Irene had the ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. For many years Irene ran a daycare in her home and was known as Grandma Irene to the children whose lives she touched. She enjoyed gardening, baking (especially monster cookies), holidays with her family, spending winters in Florida and making "up north" memories with her grandchildren.

Four children, Diana (Richard) Hamm, Joan (Dave) Solmes, Terry (Deb) Cole and Randy Cole, survive Irene. She is also survived by a brother, Raymond Wilson; 12 grandchildren: Holly (Greg) Bishop, Brad (Heather) Cole, Josh Cole, Darren Hamm, Derrick (Kelly) Hamm, Kim (Ryan) Ivens, Sarah (Scott) Lanting, LeeAnn Phillips, Teresta (Jeff) Pratt, David (Tracy) Solmes, Stacey (Bob) Vandenberg and Chris (Wade) Woytal; 21 great-grandchildren: Hunter and Cameron Bishop, Alexis, Madison and Brynn Bolo, Gaven, Greyson, Kellan and Sammi Cole, Dawson Hamm, Kyra and Allie Lanting, Joseph, Ashton and Trenton Phillips, Madeline, Katie and John Solmes, Laura and Vanessa Vandenberg and Ashley Woytal; 1 great great-grandchild: Sky Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dale; brother, David Bartholomew; twin sisters, Beatrice Murphy and Bernice Roberts; son, Jerry Cole; and grandson, Jeb Cole.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Union Cemetery, 9975 North Avenue, Dowling, Michigan, 49050. A luncheon will be held afterwards at Country Chapel, 9275 M-37, Dowling, Michigan 49050. Donations may be made in Irene's name to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, PO Box 58, Jackson MI 49204. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.