Vell Marie (Allen) Cole

VELL MARIE ALLEN COLE August 21, 1949 – September 27, 2025 (age 76)

With profound sadness, the family of Vell Marie Allen Cole announces her passing on Saturday, September 27th. On the morning of September 12th, Vell suffered a massive heart attack and was flown by Life Flight to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. After a week of dedicated medical care, she returned to her home in Payette, where she spent her final days surrounded by loved ones and under the compassionate care of Ancora Hospice. She passed away peacefully, held in the love of family and friends.

Vell was born August 21, 1949, in LaGrande, Oregon to Samuel Ray Allen and Evalyn Effagene Clark. Her brother Al was born a few years later. In 1953, the family moved to Fruitland, Idaho, where her parents built and operated Allen Custom Cannery until the mid-1970s. Vell attended Fruitland schools and graduated with the Fruitland High School Class of 1967.

On October 14, 1967, Vell married the love of her life, John Cole in Payette. The couple moved to Pocatello, where John began a nearly 40-year career in banking, His work took them to several communities across Idaho, including Idaho Falls, Grangeville, and Lewiston. While in Lewison, Vell enjoyed a fulfilling 27-year career with Meyers Folsom Dental Clinic before retiring.

Together, John and Vell raised two sons, Bryan and Jim, of whom she was deeply proud. Both graduated from the University of Idaho and built successful careers, while also becoming devoted husbands and fathers.

Vell had a lifelong passion for gardening, a gift that flourished in every place she called home. Her garden in Lewiston was once photographed for Sunset Magazine—a testament to her talent and creativity. In later years, her garden in Payette became her beloved sanctuary, where she devoted countless hours cultivating beauty and joy.

Vell is survived by her devoted husband, John Cole; their two sons Bryan (Reneta), and grandsons Sam and Mitch; Jim (Colleen), and grandson Gage and granddaughter London.

Vell was predeceased in death by her parents, Ray & Evalyn Allen; her brother Al Allen; in-laws Conway & Kathryn Cole; brothers-in law: John Caldwell, William Henry Fisher, Roger Cole, Grant Gardner; sisters-in law: Marla Martindale Cole, Janette Cole Fisher, Nellie Bassett Cole; as well as nephews: Jon Scott Fisher, Joe Caldwell and Mark Fisher; and a niece: Caroline Fisher Brown.

Vell is also lovingly remembered by her brothers-in-law: Charles (Marla) Cole, and Steve Cole (Anita Garcia); and sisters-in-law: Kim (Al) Allen. Sherry (Rod) Hogland, and Verla (Grant) Gardner; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Payette.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 13th, from 1:00 until 3:00 pm at the Portia Club, 225 North 9th Street, Payette, Idaho.

A portion of her ashes will be interred in their family plot at Rosedale Memorial Gardens in Payette. A second Celebration of Life will be held later this winter in Mexico, where her remaining ashes will be scattered in the Pacific waters near the couple’s cherished winter home.

Vell will be dearly remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her generous spirit, and the love she poured into her home and garden. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and grace.