Mary Ione Coles, affectionately known as “Ione”, joined her husband, Frank, along with family and friends in Heaven on August 18, 2024.
Ione was born September 26, 1933 in Butte to John and Alice (Sample) Sullivan. She was the oldest of three children. Ione grew up on the Anaconda Road, attended St. Mary’s grade school, and Girl’s Central High School. She went on to earn her RN license from Carroll College.
Ione was introduced to her future husband, Frank Coles, by her mother, Alice. Frank and Ione were married at St. Mary’s church in Butte on April 27, 1957. Together they welcomed three children: Kim, George, and John.
Ione started her career at St. James hospital as an RN in the nursery. She then worked as a stay-at-home mom for 9 years before returning to nursing. In 1995, she retired from the hospital.
At the age of 63, Ione learned how to swim at the YMCA. During her retirement she also learned computer skills as well as pottery. Ione also enjoyed spending time attending Catholic Retreats. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family. She took various trips with her sons to many different National Parks. One of her goals was to hike to the top of the Highland Mountains. She was accompanied by her son, John, to fulfill this wish. Ione made many trips to Salt Lake City in November to spend time with her son, George. On one trip, they were able to attend the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Every Easter, she would travel to Billings to spend the holiday with her daughter, Kim and her family. While in Billings, she enjoyed watching the grandkids’ soccer, baseball, and football games as well as attending Eagle Scout ceremonies. Ione will also be remembered by her family for her famous “Birthday Potato Cake” which she baked for the kids every year. To this day, George and John still make their own cakes using her recipe.
Ione was proceeded in death by her husband Frank, parents John and Alice Sullivan, sister and brother-in-law Geri and Jim Davis, brother Mike Sullivan, foster sister Jean Claire (Jim Sheehan), and foster sister, Sister Delores.
Ione is survived by her daughter Kim (Dave) Holmes; sons, George Coles and John Coles (Paulette); grandsons, Dean (Kyla), Josh (Linda) and Daren Holmes; sister-in-law Cathy Sullivan; as well as very special nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A special thanks to the staff at the Springs Assisted Living for the care and kindness she received while living there.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, September 27, 2024 at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 2415 S Montana St, Butte, MT, followed by a luncheon at the Finlen Hotel Copper Bowl Room, 100 E Broadway St., Butte, MT 59701.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services has been honored to care for Ione and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Ione.
Denise Horne says
John and Paulette, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. May her Memory be Eternal
Denise and Kevin
Susan Konda says
To Iones family’ I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Ione for several years at St. James I enjoyed her always. I thought the world of her always so I know what a loss her passing will bring to all of you. She lived a long life, and lived it well.
RIP Ione
Sue
Tim Jacobson says
To Iones family I sorry for your loss she was a neat lady. She raised a great family. She was li in e part of Jacobson family . She will be missed by all.My sisters & brother send their condolences