Marna Elaine Buck Cole, age 77, who lived at 1809 Polk Street, Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on October 15, 2026.
Marna was born on September 19, 1949, in San Francisco, California, to Norma Howsman Ludwig, of Chillicothe. Here Marna was raised by her mother and loving stepfather, Lawrence Ludwig. Marna graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1967 and attended William Jewell College, studying English, before transferring to Central Missouri State University. In 1970, she married Carl Willis Cole, and they shared more than 49 years of marriage before his passing in 2019.
Marna devoted much of her life to her family and the Chillicothe community. She generously gave her time as a volunteer and host for countless school events, served as vice president of the Livingston County Humane Society, and was active in the leadership of the Summer Playground Association. Throughout her working years, she administered ASVAB tests for the National Guard, worked in home health care, and served as an in-school suspension teacher at Chillicothe High School, while raising her four children.
Marna was a proud member of the Chillicothe Hornets Booster Club, Tria Sorosis, and several bridge clubs. Later, she developed a deeper passion for bridge, participating in competitions and earning Masterpoints. She was also an avid antique collector, outfitting her kids and others with treasures from long ago.
A devoted sports fan, Marna especially loved football and could happily talk with anyone about the Chillicothe Hornets, the Mizzou Tigers, or the Kansas City Chiefs. She also treasured her time at “the lake,” first at Thomas Hill Reservoir, where she spent countless hours pulling and teaching water skiers. Afterward, she enjoyed 20 years at Table Rock Lake, relaxing on the deck of the family home or cruising aboard the pontoon. Among her greatest joys was gathering there with her family, especially when all of her grandchildren came to visit each August.
Marna is survived by her four children and eleven grandchildren: Lieutenant Commander Michael Willis Cole, his wife Candace, and their children Reece Willis, Katherine Elaine, and Emma Grace of Liberty, MO; Dr. Morgan Elizabeth Cole, her husband Dr. Ryan Moore, and their children Margaret Elizabeth and Simon Thomas of Washington, DC; Dr. Melanie Allison Barnes, her husband Christopher, and their children Cole David and Morgan Daniel of St. Joseph, MO; and Manion Lawerence Cole, his wife Karen, and their children Maddox Manion, Logan Charles, Grayson Nicholas, and Phoenix Jantzen of Webster Groves, MO.
A Visitation service for Marna Cole will be held at Heritage Funeral Home in Chillicothe, MO on October 21st, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm. A Funeral Service will take place the following day, October 22nd, 2026 at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church starting at 2pm. Burial will follow the service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chillicothe Animal Shelter or Livingston County Library.