Mary Ann Cole

Mary Ann Cole, 74, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL. 

She was born on June 4, 1950, in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Harry, Sr. & Clara Marie (Travis) Talley. Mary Ann was raised and educated in Monmouth and attended Monmouth High School.  

Mary Ann married Robert L. Cole on April 6, 1969 in Monmouth, IL; they later divorced. She later married in faith Will Brooks in 2021 and he survives.  

Mary Ann worked at the meat locker in Terre Haute, IL. She was a homemaker for many years while she raised her family. Mary Ann was a cook at various local diners such as Tastee Freeze and Fisher’s Grocery Store. She also worked at Canon Precision Manufacturing as a parts finisher. Mary Ann served as an alderman for the City of Keithsburg from 1993-1997. She retired in 2012 and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She liked baking and crocheting. Mary Ann especially loved to sing at church and was a member of her church choir. She was a longstanding member of the First Christian Church in Keithsburg, IL; she attended services at many churches in Monmouth after she moved back to her hometown. She loved watching her grandchildren’s events. 

Surviving Mary Ann are her children, Frank (Gena) Cole of Kirkwood, IL, Carl (Nicole) Cole of Galesburg, IL; her grandchildren, Kale Cole, Summer Cole, Eric (Shaylee) Cole, Nathan (Ember) Dean, Jason Dean, Travis Cole, Mason Cole; her great grandchildren, Brayden, Amia, Ayden, Jentry, Mannix, Archer, River, and Paisley. Also surviving are her sisters, Dixie Reimolds of Monmouth, IL, Katherine Parker of Monmouth, IL; one brother, William (Arletha) Talley of Monmouth, IL; her significant other, Will Brooks of Monmouth, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Jim Talley, John Talley, Jerry Talley, Melvin Talley, Harry Talley, Jr., and Donna Sheese. 

Graveside Services will be at 11:30 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2024 at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Memorials can be made to the Heritage Bible Church in Monmouth and can be sent to the funeral home.  McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.