CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia
Doris R. Coles Doris Rafferty Coles, wife of the late Roberts Coles Sr. died on Thursday, November 12, 2009. She was the youngest daughter of the late Gilbert T. Rafferty and Charlotte Randolph Rafferty of Keswick. She was also preceded in death by her youngest son, Edward Joslin Coles; and her two sisters, Francis Douglas Rafferty and Caroline Rafferty Hall. For over 30 years, Mrs. Coles and her husband, the late Roberts Coles Sr., MFH, bred and trained hunters, relishing the thrill of foxhunting together. She eagerly introduced hounds, horses and hunting to children of all ages. Mrs. Coles loved the Virginia countryside, gardening, watching wildlife and most of all gathering with her extended family at "Cloverfields" in Keswick. Surviving her are four children, Roberts Coles Jr. of Charlottesville, John Coles of The Plains, Margaret Coles Anderson of Keswick and Caroline Coles Merrick of Orange: eight grandchildren; and her loving sister, Anne Rafferty Barnes of Keswick. Along with her sister, Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Coles enjoyed Albemarle County history and family stories. Four generations of Randolphs, Raffertys and Barnes welcomed guests from across the country to Cloverfields as a boarding house until the mid 1970's. The guests became friends and often came to regard the place as their second home. Mrs. Coles funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Grace Episcopal Church on 5607 Gordonsville Road, Cismont, with the Reverend Julie Norton officiating. Interment will follow at the "Cloverfields" cemetery. The family extends their love and appreciation to Gloria Byrd, Eloise Bates, Charles Davis and Lewis Rainey for their loyal service and dedication to Mrs. Coles. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Grace Episcopal Church Outreach, P.O. Box 43, Keswick, VA 22947 or The Orange County Free Clinic, P.O. Box 441, Orange, VA 22960. Hill and Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
Unbelievably, it has been three years since your passing. You are in my thoughts every day...life is not the same without you. Your incredible love of life, nature, family and your spiritual love of all things living were an inspiration to us, all of us, family and friends. I love you so much and miss you so much.
Virginia Valentine Coles
November 12, 2011 | Charlottesville, VA
Mrs. Coles was a wonderful friend to my parents. My father Harry Ward was so close to her son Eddie and enjoyed every moment with Eddie and Mrs. Coles as he visited the farm and family.
My Sincere Sympathy Alice Ward Offield
November 24, 2009
The Coles were the first charming family we met when wecame to Charlotteville in 1978. We had many memorable & good times together... we shall always remember!
With our deepest sympathy to all members of the family.
Blanka Rosenstiel and brother Waldemar Dowiak
Blanka Rosenstiel
November 21, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Coles passing. She was an outstanding lady and one with a wealth of knowledge. She will be dearly missed in the community and to all that knew her. My thoughts and prayers go out to each one in the Coles family.
Jim Wynne
November 20, 2009 | Keswick, VA
The Coles family has ment so much to our family and especially me.
Our prayers and thought are with you. Wilson & Deana Cropp
Wilson Cropp II
November 20, 2009 | Cheriton, VA
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Doris Coles. We are all the poorer for her loss. My sincere condolences go to each and every member of this gracious, loving family.
Jerry Williams
November 20, 2009 | Bluffton, SC
I was terribly sorry to hear about Doris. I have many fond memories of her, from my youngest days at Cloverfields, to the last time I enjoyed her hospitality last summer. My deepest sympathy to you all.
George Worthington
November 19, 2009 | Sydney, Australia
When there are no words...know that the silences are carrying our thoughts & prayers. We love you.
Our deepest sympathy to the Coles Family.
David & Marcia Evans
November 18, 2009 | Indianapolis, IN
For the Doris Coles family:
God bless you as you go through this major adjustment period . Mrs. Coles was a lovely lady as was your dear father, Robert Coles...
De Elliott, Charlottesville, Virginia
November 18, 2009
