Ronald D. Cole, age 80, passed away at home in Elma on Saturday, May 7, 2022, after an extended illness. Ron was born on June 11, 1941, in Pittsburg, Iowa to Morris Cole and Vergil Robbins Cole.

At the age of 16, Ron left home, working factory and farm jobs in SE Iowa until, at the age of 19, he followed his sister Dorothy to Elma, Washington in 1961. Soon after he married Valjean (Moe) Cole and purchased a small farm on Pine Street where they raised three children, and Ron resided for 61 years.

Ron is survived by his son Mark Cole and his daughters Karen Boumnijel and Linda (Eric) Meister. Ron had six grandchildren: Allyn (Tia) Cole, Brandon Madrid, Alicia (Paul) Ayerst, Chase (Alisa) Meister, Kyndal Meister and Carly Meister, plus three great-grandchildren: Madi Howe, Rowan and Archer Meister, plus his longtime friend Amo Fredricks and numerous extended family members.

Ronald is preceded in death by parents, his wife Valjean, two brothers Leonard and Jimmy Cole, sisters Dorothy Owlett and Katherine Robinson and five half siblings: Pauline, Paul, Ernest, Ernestine and Albert.

Ron worked for Simpson Timber Co. in McCleary for almost 32 years retiring in 1992. There he drove the forklift and locomotive in the yard and met many of his longtime friends. Ron was hardworking and outgoing, and loved talking with people.

He was a talented man who loved playing his guitar. Often Val and Ron would play at home for friends leaving the door open for all the neighborhood to hear. After retirement, Ron was able to enjoy time with his grandkids and great-grandkids whom he dearly loved, and every time he saw Allyn and Tia he asked about when the next would arrive to carry on the Cole name.

Ron could fix just about anything and spent a lot of time working on cars for people. A master mechanic with classic cars, he was proud of his Model T. In his later years he loved yard sales, swap meets, collecting clocks and pocket watches. He was never shy about telling a joke or giving you a hard time. He was tough on the outside but caring on the inside. Ron will be greatly missed.

His graveside service was held at the Elma Masonic Cemetery on Friday, May 13 at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net