Maude Ellen Cole

Maude Ellen Robinette Cole, age 88, gained her Heavenly wings on December 11, 2024, at home under hospice care by her family’s side.  She was born on August 25, 1936, to the late Robert and Annie (Earls) Robinette. 

Ellen was one of eight children.  There were four girls and four boys in the Robinette family.  Years after the deaths of their parents, the children grieved the passing of sister, Linda Hayter, and brothers; Marcus, and David.

As a youth, Ellen enjoyed her childhood in Raven, Virginia.  After a family move to Brumley Gap, she graduated from Greendale High School as her class Valedictorian, a title she held proudly.  She cherished those high school friendships throughout her life and attended each annual class reunion.

Shortly after graduation, Ellen went to a local carnival where she met the love of her life while riding the Ferris wheel.  William Wyatt Cole, otherwise known as Bill, was in the Navy and visiting with family during the time.  It was love at first sight and in 1955, Ellen married her sailor on the family farm where they raised their future three children.  They were blessed with a beautiful marriage of 67 years until Bill’s death in January 2023.

Ellen was a crafty lady as a young mother.  She sewed most of her children’s clothes, and during that time when leisure suits were popular, her husband was always adorned by her handiwork.  Her favorite sewing project, however, was making doll clothes for her daughters.  She was quite the professional as she created a few bridal gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses along the way.

Her children have warm memories reminiscing over favorite foods placed on her table.  Bill was a Culinary Specialist in the Navy and often teased that he taught their Momma everything she knew when it came to a recipe.  Those delicious meals that graced the family table, reunions, and church potlucks proved that she knew how to take charge in the kitchen. 

Before public service, Ellen helped a friend by typing a flawless thesis on an old Royal typewriter. Such a skill prepared her for the years ahead when she became employed by the Washington County Virginia Public School System.  For twenty-two years she thrived as the office secretary at John S. Battle High School.  Her favorite interaction was with the students, many of whom greeted her fondly after their graduation.  Following retirement, Ellen and Bill traveled on several bus tours across the Nation.  Both thoroughly enjoyed those adventures.

Ellen was a devoted wife, and along with her husband, raised their children to follow the Lord in all things.  She was a member of the First Christian Church of Abingdon, Virginia.  Gatherings with her church family were spent worshiping their Lord, and in fellowship of friends during times of joy and heartache.  It was the place where she said final good-byes to several friends, and more recently two family members: her darling husband, Bill, and son-in-love, Donald Wayne White.  Her church family blessed and supported her as faithful prayer-warriors, for which she and her family were much thankful.   

Along with many life-long friendships, Ellen leaves behind the following to cherish her memories: two daughters Sylvia White, and Angela (Scott) Clawson; one son Gary (Karen) Cole; five grandchildren Emily Cole Schweitzer, Cole (Rachael) Clawson, Grant (Sabrina) Clawson, Brandon LaPointe, and Richard LaPointe; one great-grandchild Claire Schweitzer; two sisters Delcie Robinette Campbell, and Jean Robinette Warren; two brothers Glen Robinette, and Robert (Judy) Robinette; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her beloved dog, Rex.

She and her children were much appreciative of her dear friend and caregiver, Margaret Rose.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s honor to the First Christian Church of Abingdon at 185 Old Jonesboro Road, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at First Christian Church of Abingdon, Virginia, with a celebration of life service to follow at 12:00 P.M. with Minister Tom Crise officiating. Graveside to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Cole Clawson; Grant Clawson; Brandon LaPointe; Scott Clawson; Lee Reynolds; and Danny Rock.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Wilburn Cadle, and Wayne Lambert.