Kathie Cole

Kathie (Eichelberger) Cole, 72, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully, with her faithful husband Steve by her side, on December 6, 2024 at 11:11pm, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Kathie was born on April 29, 1952, in Paxton, Illinois, to Elsie (Jones) and Floyd “Babe” Eichelberger.

Kathie was a 1970 graduate of Paxton High School and 1973 graduate of Parkland College with a degree in early childhood education. She dedicated over 25 years to teaching preschool, mostly at Judah Christian School, touching the lives of countless children and families in the community. She also worked at the Social Security Office, Alpha Tau Omega and was a stay-at-home mom while her kids were young.

On July 19, 1975, Kathie married the love of her life, Steven Cole, with whom she shared 49 wonderful years of marriage. The couple made their home in Champaign, Illinois. After waiting faithfully on the Lord for eight years to provide them children, they were blessed with the adoption of their son, Luke in September 1983, and in November of 1985, welcomed their daughter, Hannah.

In 2017 Kathie and Steve retired to Joplin, Missouri, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. She was a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren: Titus, Roman, and Eli, sons of Luke and his wife Jenny; and Miles, Charlotte, and Elizabeth, children of Hannah and her husband Dustin Padget. Her legacy of love, compassion, and faith will live on through them.

More than anything, Kathie wanted to be known for her love for the Lord. She was a fierce prayer warrior and served the church any chance she could get. While living in Illinois, Kathie and Steve were active members of the First Christian Church of Champaign and in Missouri they were active members of Hope City Church. Kathie loved to teach Sunday School, help with VBS, and mentor younger women. She and Steve loved being part of the Retired Life Group at Hope City.

Kathie is preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Floyd “Babe” Eichelberger, and her brother, James Eichelberger. She is survived by her husband, Steve Cole, children, Luke and Hannah, and grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope City Church on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at Hope City Church in Joplin, Missouri. The Family will receive friends at 10am until the service begins. There will also be a Celebration of Life for Kathie’s friends and Family in Illinois on Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 1:30pm at the Webber Street Christian Church in Urbana, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the following charities that Kathie supported and believed in: God’s Resort, Watered Gardens and FCA of Southwest Missouri.
Kathie’s love, kindness, and faith were a blessing to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her joy, her devotion to her family, and the light of Jesus that shown through her. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory Joplin, MO.