Mildred "Millie" Lorene Cole

Mildred “Millie” “Granny” L. Cole departed this life peacefully at her home in Harrisonville, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the age of 88 years.

Millie was born on September 11, 1937, in Heavener, Oklahoma, to Riley and Mildred Webster. She was raised in Heavener and graduated from high school before attending cosmetology school, where she began developing the creativity and talent that would remain a part of her life forever.

Millie dedicated approximately 40 years of her life to working as a hairstylist, a profession she truly loved. She cherished visiting with her clients, making lasting friendships, and helping others feel beautiful and cared for through the years.

During the Dust Bowl years, Millie moved to California, where life’s journey eventually led her to the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Cole. The couple was united in marriage on June 6, 1967, and together shared many years of love, devotion, and adventure. While Tom served in the military, the family spent approximately three years living in Germany, creating memories that Millie cherished deeply. Following their time overseas, they settled on a farm in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where they built a wonderful life together centered around family and hard work.

Millie was gifted with incredible creativity and talent. She loved crafting, crocheting, sewing, making jewelry, and creating beautiful dolls by hand. She enjoyed attending beauty shows and sharing her many talents with those around her. She also dearly loved her dogs, Suzi and Sami, and adored spending time with them. Above all else, Millie treasured her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved them more than words could ever express.

She is survived by her children, George Riddle and wife Kathy of Harrisonville, Missouri, Rebecca Wallace and husband Steven of Wichita, Kansas, and Michael Cole and wife Melissa of Roland, Oklahoma; stepsons, Tony Cole and Ronnie Cole, both of Arkansas; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Georgie Dewey and husband Bob and Jessie Lutz and husband Lynn, all of California; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Mildred Webster; her beloved husband, Thomas “Tom” Cole; and stepson, Ronnie Cole.

Cremation with Celebration of Life Services pending and will be posted once available.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care or Humane America Animal Foundation and sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.