Rita Anne (Zilke) Cole

Cole, Rita Anne - Peacefully passed away at home, in her 93rd year, surrounded by family on January 6, 2022. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 72 years, Charles Cole of Woodstock, and her children: Judy Palmer and husband George of Elora, Dianne Klingenberg and her husband John of Woodstock, Barbara Hood, and her husband Clarence of Picton, and Philip Cole and his wife Carol of Woodstock. Rita was loved by her ten grandchildren: Geoff, James, Melissa, Paul, Kate, Robert, Andrea, Chantelle, Alison, and Emily. In addition, Rita was blessed with eighteen great grandchildren and she was looking forward to two more babies this year. Rita will be missed by her remaining sisters and brothers: Myrna Tolley, Allan (Lois) Zilke, Lila (Tom) Richardson, Artie (Morley) McGrath, Vi Curry, Ivan Zilke, and sisters-in-law Shirley Zilke and Thelma Hohner. Rita is predeceased by her parents Dan and Tilly Zilke and her sister Doris Murray, her brothers Dennis, Elmer, Gary, and Wilfred. Rita was a faithful attender of Huron Park Baptist Church and volunteered in many facets of church life including the church senior’s group. In particular she had a heart for missions and led the missions committee for several years. She sewed hundreds of dresses and blankets for Faith Orphans in Africa and participated in the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry. Rita had a creative flair as demonstrated in the cakes created by her at her store, The Wedding Boutique. She also enjoyed making paper tole pictures, sewing, scrap booking and card making. In most recent years, she always looked forward to gathering with her sisters and friends to make greeting cards. Rita loved being with her family and looked forward to family celebrations. She was a much-loved matriarch of her family, and she will be very fondly remembered by all. A private service will be held at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, Woodstock, 519-539-0004. Interment in the Innerkip Cemetery to follow in the spring. If desired, memorial contributions to: Faith Orphans Fund at faithorphansfund.org P.O. Box726, Cambridge, ON, NIT 1S6 or Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry at samaritanspurse.ca Expressions of sympathy may be given at www.brockandvisser.com

A live stream service will take place on Tuesday, January 11,2022  at 1:30pm. Link will be posted prior to service.