Marlyce Marlene (Hagen) Cole, of Valley City, ND, passed at home, on April 9, 2022. Marly was born on May 18, 1940, in Bottineau, ND to Mary and Gilbert Hagen. The last of four children, she was doted on by her older siblings.
She liked to muse that she turned 17 on the 18th and graduated from Willow City High School on the 21st. She was a proud graduate of the class of ’57– the one that “Had Its Dreams”.
She married Raymond Paul Cole in 1958 and had three sons. Her love of family was an integral part of her being. With numerous relatives, family gatherings were anything but quiet. She was a Christmas enthusiast and will be remembered for her legendary Christmas cutout cookies, popcorn balls, divinity, and rosettes. Her grand and great grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy! Nothing made her happier than the giggling and screams of her grand and great grandchildren. Activities of her family, while varied, were always supported.
She became a Nurse’s Aide at Mercy Hospital, managed a bible bookstore, and retired as a Home Health Aide for Barnes County after many years. Generous to those without, she would purchase food and necessities for her clients with her own money. A natural caregiver, she took care of her husband throughout his struggles with dementia.
She was very proud of the lifelong friendships that she was able to maintain; (Karen, Jan, Diana, Carolyn, Delores to name a few) and her various card club members. Her sons’ friends were “family” and always felt at home — even when the boys weren’t around. It didn’t matter who, but she loved to visit until all hours.
She was not afraid to try new and exciting things. She was a marksman, an avid snowmobiler (raced), and loved bowling. She was afraid though, of cats, squirrels, printers, and horses. ln her later years games of chance, gardening and genealogy became passions. Back seat driving was a hobby that came quite naturally. She loved cards and played almost daily, right to the end.
She is survived by sons, Terry (Steve Brinduse), Minneapolis, MN, Shawn (Teresa) Valley City, ND, and Scott (Karen Anderson), Valley City, ND; four grandchildren, Meghan (Toby) Wahl, Glennallen, AK, Adam (Krystal Hinschberger) Cole, Valley City, ND, Amanda (Chase) Demers, Rugby, ND, and Erika (Daniel) Ryan, Valley City, ND; five great grandchildren, Owen and Emrie Wahl, Austin and Hailey DeMers, and Westlynn Rae Cole; a brother-in law, Kenneth Cole. In addition, there are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Marly was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 59 years, Ray Cole; brother, Raymond (Opal) Hagen; sisters, Lora (Al) Kongslie and Noreen (Floyd) McNea.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 3, 2022 at 7 pm and Memorial Services on June 4, 2022 at 2 pm. Both services will be held at the Connect Church in Valley City. Memorials preferred to Valley City Public Library, Saint Jude Children’s Hospital or charity of your choice. Arrangements by Lerud Mathias Funeral Home, Valley City, ND.