Beth Cole

Marilyn Beth Cole passed away peacefully on January 18, 2023, at Sanford Broadway Medical Center in Fargo, surrounded by her family.

Marilyn "Beth" was the daughter of Lillian Cole and the late Reverend Howard Cole. She was born on April 17, 1956, in Heidelberg, Germany, where her father was serving as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army. Beth spent her childhood years in Granada Hills, California, and Red Wing, Minnesota, before her family moved to Fargo in 1967.

Beth was an exceptionally bright student who was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. She was deeply involved in her school and church activities at First Lutheran Church.

In 1969, when Beth was 13, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After subsequent surgical removal, she faced numerous complicated health challenges throughout her life. Despite these challenges, she graduated from Fargo North High School and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Beth's dream was to become a teacher, and while that dream would not be fulfilled, she was able to volunteer at local elementary schools to help students with their reading and writing skills. She loved the one-on-one sessions with the second graders, "reading with Miss Beth," to help them improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary. She also assisted teachers with test grading and other paperwork tasks.

Beth's volunteer efforts were recognized and appreciated by many. In 1996 the J.C. Penney Corporation awarded her with the Golden Rule Award for her creation of a children's library and summer reading program at CHARISM. In addition, she was honored by the YWCA in 2009 for her work with elementary school children.

Beth was known for her love of writing and receiving letters. When she was able, she often helped deliver the mail in her senior community living center and enjoyed visiting with the residents.

For the past 11 years, Beth resided in Wahpeton at the St. Catherine's Living Center and, more recently, in the Benedictine Living Center. She enjoyed playing Bingo, watching Hallmark movies with her friend, Eileen, and streaming country western music in her room. We are forever grateful for the wonderful care that she received from the staff members and her nurses at St. Catherine's and Benedictine.
We would also like to thank her doctors, Dr. Olson, and Dr. Debates, for their unwavering compassion as they worked with Beth throughout her life.

Beth is survived by her mother, Lillian Cole of Fargo; brothers David and Steven (Pam) of Fargo; and her sister, Laurie Ness (Daniel) of Belmont, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her father, Howard, and her maternal and paternal grandparents. She is also survived by her special cousins, Kristin Marshall, Tempe, Arizona, and Kari Lacey, Camarillo, California.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Beth will be buried alongside her father in Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

Memorials may be directed to the Benedictine Living Community, 1307 7th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58075.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28 – 30.