Rita Jo Cole

Rita Cole lived life quietly, creatively, and with unmistakable grit. Born on July 25, 1942, in Phoenix, Arizona, she carried an artist’s soul from the beginning—seeing color, shape, and possibility where others saw the ordinary. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, though her truest calling was art. She devoted thousands of hours to the study and practice of art, finding joy, purpose, and identity in creation.

Rita made her home in Cortez, Colorado, building a life marked by simplicity, independence, and depth. She worked for Nielson’s for many years and spent time employed at the mine in Rico, Colorado—roles that reflected her steadiness and resilience. In one of the clearest reflections of her strength, she nearly constructed her own home by hand, board by board, guided by persistence, patience, and remarkable resolve.

She lived privately, but deeply. Rita walked everywhere—often miles every day, to places most would drive. These walks were more than exercise; they were her worship, her clarity, her communion. She often said she felt closest to God when she walked, and she held a special connection to a particular tree at Hawkins Preserve—a place of stillness, presence, and quiet conversation with the divine.

Her dogs were among the greatest loves of her life. Maxie, who preceded her in death, walked countless miles at her side. Later, Little Guy and Piper became her devoted companions, sharing her routines, her home, and her heart. Rita’s compassion extended outward as well, shown most clearly through her dedicated support of Hospice of Montezuma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Stewart and Lonnie Cole. She is survived by her brother, Benjamin Stewart Cole.

Rita will be laid to rest with family at Tempe Double Butte Cemetery in Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona.

Honoring her request, there will be no formal celebration of life. Instead, an informal gathering will be held in her memory—complete with pie, just as she wished. Those who wish to attend may reach out at rememberingritacole@gmail.com for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Montezuma.

May her memory linger like footsteps on a familiar trail—quiet, steady, and enduring beneath the open sky she loved so well.