Grace Ann Cole

Grace Ann Cole, 76, of Thebes, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 28, 2023. 

She was born on May 24, 1946, in Carterville, the daughter of Rupert and Naomi McKenzie Ballard. 

On April 12, 1972, she married Lynn Cole.  

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Lynn of Thebes; children Lori (Travis) Aufdenberg, Chris (Ashley) Cole, Paula (Kenny) Ellis and Andrew Cole; sister Sharon (Roy) Lavender; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Robert, Charles and Gary Ballard; nieces Rebecca Clifford and Judy Lavender; and grandson Joe Daniel Schaffer, III. 

She had loved and was very well loved. She was strong in her faith and shared many “Gracie-Isms.” She will be dearly missed. Until we meet in heaven Momma. 

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau, with Clyde Tatum officiating. Burial followed at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes. 

Memorials can be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau was in charge of arrangements.