Wanda M. Cole

Wanda Marie Cole (Rawlings), of Meridian, Idaho, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on March 16, 2026, in her home.

Wanda was born in Boise, Idaho, and spent her childhood and formative years in Meridian, where she graduated from Meridian High School in 1944. As a young woman, she worked at the local theater and at Meridian Drug pharmacy.

Following World War II, Wanda married Orville Cole on June 21, 1948, in Boise. Shortly after their union, they moved to Chicago while Orville pursued his education. During that time, Wanda worked for the Chicago Motor Club and C.C. Anderson’s (later known as the Bon Marché).

Wanda and Orville eventually settled in Twin Falls, Idaho, where they began raising their family. Together they raised three children and built a life centered on love, hard work, and devotion. Much of their married life was spent in Twin Falls and Meridian. In 1998, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by loved ones, and in the years that followed, they marked an extraordinary 71 years of marriage before Orville’s passing in 2019. Their love and respect for one another were evident to all who knew them.

Wanda devoted herself to her family and created a home that was warm and open to all. In Twin Falls, she canned thousands of jars of fruits and vegetables, prepared countless meals, and supported her children in every aspect of their lives. In 1970, she returned to Meridian, where she finished raising her family.

In retirement, Wanda and Orville embraced adventure, traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Wherever she went, Wanda formed lasting friendships.

She found joy in gardening, embroidering, traveling by trailer, and visiting garage sales. Wanda had a special gift for turning friends into family, often gathering people around her table to share food, stories, and laughter. One example of this was her connection with the Eh-Capa Bareback Riders, who welcomed Wanda and Orville into their circle. They traveled to rodeos together, and on chilly days, their trailer became a warm gathering place filled with riders enjoying hot cocoa and companionship.

Wanda treasured her friendships and remained connected to people from every stage of her life—childhood, school, travel, and beyond. She will be remembered for her thoughtful letters, engaging storytelling, practical wisdom, lively pinochle parties, and the delicious meals and desserts she lovingly prepared.

She is survived by her children: Teresa Wenzel; Tom Cole (Sherril); and Duane Cole; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Alice, Fanny, and Ethel; her grandsons, Lee Bowen and Christopher Bowen; and her son-in-law, Bill Wenzel.

A graveside service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boise at 11:00 a.m. on March 30. An open house will be held immediately after the service at the family home of Orville and Wanda in Meridian.