Dolores Cole Obituary

Dolores Oaks Cole

October 14, 1929 -

November 15, 2025

"Kindness is like snow; it beautifies everything it covers" – Dr. Chales Stanley

ELIZABETHTON - Dolores Oaks Cole, age 96, of Elizabethton, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Hillview Health Center. She was born on October 14, 1929, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Wheeler Oaks and Hattie Hodge Oaks.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, TN State Representative William Ralph Cole; daughter, Linda Marie Cole; son, Charles Brooks Cole; brother, Richard D. Oaks; and son-in-law, Johnny P. Scruggs.

Dolores will be remembered for her sweet smile. During difficult times, she would still be smiling. She had a love for the outdoors and picnics, and she was the happiest, sitting on her porch watching the birds. She and Ralph shared a love that lasted a lifetime. She had an unconditional love for her four children that never wavered. Dolores remained strong in her faith, always persevering. She was a member of Eastside Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Dolores Ann Cole and Carol Cole Scruggs; one brother, Jack H. Oaks; and several nieces and nephews including two special nieces, Penny and Arielle Booker. She is also survived by many cherished friends including Phyllis and Howard Walker, Benny Hoilman, Jim and Adie Hyder, Mikki Crowe, Jane Oakley, Sherry Miller, Becky Fair, Linda Proffitt, Byron and Judy Milhorn, Shannon Cole, and Makayla Hicks. Additionally, she leaves behind her special physicians, Dr. Kenneth Olive and Dr. Michael Ponder, whose care and support meant so much.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Dolores's life will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Happy Valley Memorial Park, with Mr. Jim Greenlee, Ms. Mikki Crowe, Mrs. Nancy Greenlee, and Mrs. Jane Oakley officiating. Active pallbearers will be David Oaks, Danny Oaks, Austin Oaks, Richard Oaks, Curt Alexander, Cameron Hyder, and Orris Denford. Everyone will meet at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.

Friends may visit Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton between the hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19th to pay their respects and sign the memorial book.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Elizabethton Amedisys Home Health and Hillview Health and Rehab Center for their dedicated care.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the local animal shelter, Elizabethton / Carter County Animal Shelter, 135 Sycamore Shoals Drive, Elizabethton, TN, 37643.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Cole family. Office Phone: (423) 542-2232.