Debra Cole

Debra Lynn Cole, 70, of Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on June 14, 2026, with family by her side, at the Davis County Hospital in Bloomfield. She was born on July 8, 1955, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Marion Earl and Beatrice Jean Covert Smith. Debra married Earl Werts on July 14, 1973, in Bloomfield - they later divorced. On December 16, 1988, she married Denny Cole in Bloomfield. Denny passed away on October 2, 2020. Debra worked at the Davis County Hospital for several years before attending the Indian Hills Community College Nursing Program. She graduated in 1986, and started a nursing career that spanned over 30 years. Most of her career was in OB at the Ottumwa Regional Hospital where she helped deliver thousands of babies over the years. She also worked in Public Health and in Acute Physical Rehabilitation, but she truly loved working in OB. Outside of work, Debra had many hobbies and interests including; gardening and taking care of flowers, baking with the help of Martha Stewart, watching old westerns, traveling out west with Denny, taking care of bees and collecting honey, and sitting on the porch with Denny in the evening. She had a soft heart for all animals - cats, dogs, cows, and chickens were among her favorites. She also enjoyed taking care of her yard and mowing, always wearing her floppy hat with a big sunflower on the front. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her son, Jason (Angie) Werts of Bloomfield; two step-daughters, Sherry (Marty) Green, Terry (Bo) Carnahan; and six siblings, Diana Christian, Tim (Rhonda) Davis, Allen Davis, Tim Yates, Jim (Lori) Smith, John (Kris) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Denny Cole; step-father, Dwayne Yates; and step-mother, Leora Smith. Debra's wish was to be cremated. A private family service with burial at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield will be held at a later date. A celebration of life will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Southfork Restaurant in Bloomfield for family and friends to visit. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Heartland Humane Society in Ottumwa. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield is assisting the family.

Debra Cole

July 8, 1955 - June 14, 2026