Obituary of Eva Louise Cole

Eva Louise Fain Cole was born on May 16, 1925 in Joplin, Missouri.  She passed away peacefully on November 5, 2019 at the age of 94.  Eva was born to Mabel and Harry Fain, and was the second oldest in a family of four children.  She outlived all of her siblings, Thomasine Andre, Robert Fain, and MaryJo Melvin. She married Keith Muir Cole in 1942; he predeceased her.

Eva is survived by her only son, Keith Thomas Cole of Olympia; nephew, Mike Welton; great niece, Lynne Welton (Joe Buchanan); great-great nephews, Reed and Jarrett Buchanan.

A child of the Great Depression, Eva worked hard her whole life, often supporting all of her extended family.  She started as a grocery checker at age 16 and continued for more than 50 years, most of her career at Ralph’s Thriftway on the Olympia eastside.  Eva was well known as the spunky, tell-it-straight checker who customers waited in long lines to chat with.

In the 1950s, Eva discovered a passion and love in her life—contract bridge.  She became an enthusiastic member of the Contract Bridge Club and earned “Life Master” status.  She also taught bridge at her home, and truly loved the game.

Following her retirement, she became an ombudsman for Evergreen Nursing Home, providing support and services for elders.  She also volunteered for 22 years for Thurston County Superior Court.

Eva loved people and was always helping others.  She leaves a void in the community and will be greatly missed by friends and family alike.

A celebration of Eva’s life will be held Sunday, November 24, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.