Nora Cole Ward

In Loving Memory

Our beloved mom, Nora Cole Ward, received her wings on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the age of 75. She was surrounded by family in her final moments.

Nora was born January 4th, 1950 to John and Eloise Cole in Braidwood, Illinois. She moved with her family to Texarkana, TX in the early 1960’s, and by the late 60’s, she had settled in NE Texas and made Longview her home, where she made a full life and raised five children.

In 1980, Nora earned her Licensed Vocational Nursing degree from Kilgore College. She dedicated her career to caring for others, working in several clinics, most notably at the Diagnostic Clinic in Longview, where she took great pride in the many lives she touched. Beyond her profession, Nora poured her heart into her home. A gifted homemaker, she was known for her exceptional cooking, her love of gardening and antiques.

Over the years, Nora shared her life with three spouses. Her earlier marriages to Bill Caddenhead and M.L. George were important chapters in her life, and together they raised a family she cherished deeply. Later, she married Len Ward, with whom she shared ten years until his passing in 2017. Each relationship brought love and lessons, helping shape the life she built, and she remained proud of the family that grew from them.

Nora was diagnosed with dementia over a decade ago, and the last three years brought especially difficult challenges. Through it all, she displayed remarkable strength, sustained by the devoted care of her family, friends, and caregivers. She faced Alzheimer’s disease with courage and grace.

In her final months, Nora was lovingly cared for at Whispering Pines Lodge in Longview, where she received consistent and compassionate attention. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated team at Heart’sWay Hospice for their support and comfort during her final days. Nora’s brother, Danny, was a source of help throughout her illness, and we extend our thanks to him. We are also especially grateful to her dearest friend, Phyllis Craig, whose visits, laughter, and unwavering love were a constant source of joy and comfort, both to Nora and to all of us.

Though we’ve felt her slipping away for some time, her earthly passing on Friday brings both sorrow and peace. Mom knew and loved Jesus, and we take great comfort in knowing she is now fully whole and at home with Him in Heaven.

Nora was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eloise, and her husband, Len. She is survived by children Kevin (Elise) Caddenhead, Melissa Caddenhead Vasquez, Chris (Chauncey) Caddenhead, Jennifer (Farand) Hardy, and John (Morgan) George, along with 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Nora is also survived by sister, Tina Emilia, and brothers Dean Cole, Danny Cole, Dale Cole and Darrell Cole.

A private celebration of life will be held to honor the beautiful life she lived and the love she gave so freely. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Heart’sWay Hospice in Longview at heartswayhospice.org/about/donate/ or The Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.ORG.