LaVene Stone Cole

LaVene Stone Cole, 93, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026. She was born to Joseph Frederick and Veda Elda Seamons Stone on April 26th, 1932, and was the first child in a family of 4 girls and 6 boys.

In 1949, she met John Robert Cole of Cornish, Utah. They were married on January 15, 1950. John passed away in June 1980. Together they had 3 sons: Jim (Kay Dawn) Cole, Kerry Lynn (Julie) Cole and David (Angie) Cole. Her legacy has grown to include 12 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.

LaVene spent most of her life in Southern Idaho but also lived in Arizona, Rhode Island, and Logan, Utah while attending Utah State University. Her spirit for adventure, took her throughout the US, Europe, Canada and Mexico. One of her bucket list items was going to Alaska. At the age of 83, she was finally able to see the wonders of Alaska and had the "thrill of a lifetime" with a ride in a dog sled, pulled by an Iditarod dog-sledding team.

While living in Sedona, Arizona, she owned an antique furniture store. She loved the scenic red rocks so much that she volunteered at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce tourism office. A job she truly enjoyed. Volunteer work was an important part of her life. She served in the Preston Golf and Country Club as Ladies Organization President and an officer for many years.

LaVene also had a talent for the arts and painted beautiful landscapes and outdoor scenes. She served as a Fair Board supervisor in the art/photography department. Later in life, she volunteered at the Jensen Historical Farm where she enjoyed making her own pioneer clothing and tending to the livestock on the farm. Her favorites were the gentle Oxen, who waited patiently for a good scratch behind their ears. She also worked as a Real Estate agent and later owned a restaurant in Smithfield called the Chandelier.

In her younger years, she enjoyed singing with her family at local dances and functions. An old-fashioned family cookout, with a singalong around the campfire, was her favorite entertainment.

At the age of 62, she sold the Preston home and moved to the family property in Cub River. This was a huge endeavor. After a lot of blood, sweat and tears, she established a beautiful home site near the old family farm. The results were breathtaking. Her family, friends and neighbors have all enjoyed spending time on the deck with Granny Cole.

LaVene had a great love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed living in the mountains. She was a reliable food source for every wild critter in the canyon. Songbirds, deer, turkeys, etc. all would frequent her place looking for a handout. Granny often referred to her animal interactions as "Observations from the Deck." Many family members, especially "The Grands", enjoyed a delicious meal at Granny's place. LaVene's pioneer hardiness allowed her to live independently in her beloved Cub River home until the age of 91. She had a deep spiritual conviction and belief in God and later received her endowments in the Logan Temple on July 26, 2013.

She is survived by her Sons, Kerry (Julie) and David (Angie), Daughter-in-Law, Kay Dawn Cole, Sisters, Allie Hansen, Marilyn Done and Carol Jo Maisey. Brothers: Steven Stone (MerRee), Kevin Stone (Gaylene) and Kim Stone. She is preceded in death by her Parents: Joe and Veda Stone, Husband, John R. Cole, Son, Robert James Cole, Brothers, Lon, Lynden and Jimmy Stone. Brothers-in-Law, Ron Done and Clair Hansen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00-11:30 am. Interment will be in Preston Idaho Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Heritage Senior Living Facility and FCMC Homecare and Hospice for all the loving care and kindness they gave to LaVene. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Franklin County Senior Center, (208-852-2844.)

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com.