Helen Darlene Cole
Helen Darlene Cole nee Eshler left this earth to walk the streets of gold on August 5th, 2024 at 1:47 am. Helen was born June 19th, 1942 in Stockton, Kansas. She was the first born daughter to Francis H. Eshler and Mattie E. Eshler nee Shaw.
Darlene grew up in Stockton with her brother Gerald and sisters Florence and Kathyrn (Kathy). Here is where she married her high school sweetheart C. Larry Roskilly and to this union they had four daughters: Diane, Charlene, Christina, and Janelle. Larry worked for the Corps of Engineers which took them from Kansas to California to Illinois to Missouri where they called home. Thru the years, life changes, and they divorced and moved on to other relationships, but always carried a special place in their hearts for each other. In 1986, Darlene married Britt Cole and welcomed his son Ryan into her life. Life made changes again and Britt and Darlene went their separate ways.
Throughout the years Darlene was involved in activities with her daughters as a girl scout leader, PTA President, belonged to First Baptist churches in each area she lived and was active in the church as a Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir. In the early 90’s Darlene became a member of Concordia Lutheran Church where she served on council committees and was very involved with the Ladies Aid serving as President for several years.
Darlene was able to be a stay-at-home wife and mother for 16 years and later she went to work at the Bobber Café, where she enjoyed meeting people from so many places. Restaurants were in her blood, in the late 70’s she managed the Hen House Restaurant in Bourbon for several years. Later in the mid 80’s she managed Casual Inn Restaurant and in the late 80’s she and her best friend, Dixie Simmerly, purchased Coachlight Inn in Leasburg, MO, and had a very successful restaurant for over 10 years. Darlene could not sit still for long, and she then went to work at Video World in Bourbon, MO, where she shared her love for movies and enjoyed working with the public. She never met a stranger and all who knew her commented on how sweet she was and that she was a very special lady.
Over her lifetime, Darlene enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, sewing, crocheting, embroidery and spending time with her family and friends.
Darlene is survived by a sister, Kathryn Schults-Ley (Alan) of Greeley, Colorado; Daughters: Diane Vaughn of Bourbon, MO, Charlene Mincemeyer (Dean) of Leslie, MO, Christina Skyles (Mike) of Union, MO, and Janelle Millheiser (Partner Jim) of Washington, MO; Step-son, Ryan Cole (Becky) of Bourbon, MO; Grandchildren: Sean Kaysinger (Amanda) of Bourbon, MO, Eric Kaysinger (Laura) of Pacific, MO, Travis Robertson (Rachel) of Bourbon, MO, Jenna Young (Partner Jason) of Cherryville, MO, Taylor Cooper (Dakota) of Rolla MO, Jacob Skyles (Jordan) of St. Clair, MO, Joshua Skyles (Annika) of Union, MO, Morgan Hannify (Scott) of Washington, MO, and Camden Millheiser of Washington, MO; Step-Grandchildren: Rachel Mincemeyer of New Orlean, LA, Hannah Turner (Dalton) of Leslie, MO, Phillip Mincemeyer (Anna) of Gerald, MO, Kaleb Cole of Bourbon, MO, and McKenna Cole of Bourbon, MO; Great Grandchildren: Trevor, Molly, Allie, Jori, Troy, Kennedy, Reese, Beckham, Bristol and Clyton; Step Great Grandchildren: Colton, Sage, Gage, Ally, Grayson, Owen, Ava, Reagan, and Ila Rose and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her sister Florence Fahrenbruch, Son-in-law Doug Vaughn, a very dear friend, Dixie Simmerly, Brother Gerald Eshler, Mother Mattie Eshler, and Father Francis Eshler.
A Memorial service will be conducted 6:00 PM, Friday, August 16, 2024 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon with Pastor Dennis Rodemeier and Pastor Robert Knapp officiating. Inurnment will follow in Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Friday, August 16, 2024 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Darlene Cole to Hill Cemetery.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO.