Cynthia Sue Cole, 76, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at University Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2023, at Calvary Memorial Church in Gering with Pastor Gary Hashley officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Alliance City Cemetery. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Cindy’s wishes. Memorials may be made to Calvary Memorial Church. The service will be livestreamed and recorded to Cindy’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Cindy was born December 2, 1946, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Everett and Marjorie (Calkins) Cole. The family moved to Alliance, Nebraska in 1954. Cindy graduated from Alliance High School with the class of 1964.
She married Larry Cole in 1965 and she became the proud mother of her only daughter, Suzanne Evett. Cindy and her family relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota for a few years before returning to Alliance in 1970. She and Larry later divorced.
Cindy decided to attend school to achieve her LPN certification. She was working as an LPN when she suffered severe injuries in an accident in 1977 that left her paralyzed. A life-changing tragedy as such may have hindered others, but not Cindy. Her strength and courage were only amplified. She never slowed her pace and she continued to live life to the fullest for the remainder of her time on earth. In fact, it was after her accident that Cindy pursued another education endeavor and completed a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, all while wheelchair-bound and raising her young daughter.
Cindy had a knack for decorating and her home was warm and welcoming. Her house was always the gathering place, whether it was in Alliance or in Gering where she moved in 1998. Holidays were important to her, and she eagerly looked forward to celebrating with everyone. She would wear earrings to match whatever the occasion, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day or Independence Day, and shined with enthusiasm. Of course, Christmas was her favorite time of the year bringing all the things she loved together: love of God, family and friends, decorating and celebrating a joyous time.
Her joyful spirit was radiated to others, and she easily made friends, many she who she remained close with her entire life. It was common for her to be out and about on Saturday nights in the company of a group of friends. She loved God and her church community. Cindy was very involved within the church and a reliable volunteer for various activities as well as a participant in bible study groups. Cindy was a volunteer Foster Grandparent at Lincoln Elementary School in Gering where she cherished her time spent with both kids and staff. Reading was one of her favorite things to do and it was even more ideal if she was sitting outdoors, soaking up the sunshine.
Cindy was strong-willed, brave, and feminine. She always dressed nicely and had her hair and makeup done, prepared to face every day with a smile. Her pride and joy was “the cutest grandson ever” her grandson, Cannon, who she liked to post about regularly on Facebook.
Survivors include her daughter, Suzanne (Don) Jaruzel of Virginia Beach, Virginia; grandson, Cannon Cole Jaruzel, age 10, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister, Carolyn (Roger) Jensen of Gering; nephews and niece, Chris (Barb) Jensen of Scottsbluff, Rod (Cindy) Jensen of Mead, CO, Joy (Tim) Crist of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Jared (Diana) Jensen of Omaha; her beloved cat, Trooper; many special caregivers and a multitude of friends.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Marjorie; and her premature twin grandchildren, Stephen Everett and Grace Evett.