Anna Cole Obituary

Anna Marie Cole, known lovingly as Dee Dee, of Salem, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 13, 2024, at the age of 66. She was born on February 28, 1958, in Cottleville, Missouri, to the late Joseph and Helen (Merz) Schermesser.
Dee Dee was united in marriage to Leo (Ray) Cole on December 2, 1977, and together they shared a life full of love, joy, and devotion. Their union was blessed with four children, and Dee Dee's heart was always full of pride for her family, which also included four grandchildren.
A dedicated Med-Aide at a local nursing home for many years, Dee Dee's compassion extended far beyond her work. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and found deep joy in exploring her genealogy and learning about her ancestors. Her love of family extended to animals as well, and she cherished the life she built on the small farm she and Ray purchased, where they raised goats, chickens, rabbits, and turkeys.
Dee Dee had a passion for scrapbooking, documenting the precious moments of life. But above all, she adored her family. She was especially close to her youngest granddaughter, Scarlett, and took great joy in watching her grandchildren grow.
Dee Dee is survived by her loving husband, Leo Ray Cole, of the home; children Ray Joseph Cole and partner Randy Ingell of Ava, MO, Jeremy Cole of Steelville, MO, and Drew Cole of Salem, MO; sisters Mary Vogt of St. Charles, MO, and Shirley McDaniel of Camdenton, MO; brothers John Schermesser of St. Charles, MO, and Ray Schermesser and wife Maureen of Desoto, MO; grandchildren Cheyenne, Charity, Serenity, and Scarlett. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helen Schermesser; her daughter, Jamie Kinerk; her brother, Ronnie Schermesser; and her sister, Joan Spradling.
In keeping with her wishes, Dee Dee was cremated, and a private service will be held with her family to honor her memory.
Dee Dee's love, warmth, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her spirit lives on in the memories she leaves behind and in the hearts of her family, whose lives she touched so profoundly.