Michelle Rene Coles

Michelle Rene Coles
Des Moines

Born in Marshalltown, IA the 3rd girl to Jerry and Leota Waterman on June 2, 1961, Michelle came into this world lighting it up until the end.

She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1979 and traveled to Ellsworth Community College, graduating in 1981 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Michelle landed a job at Younkers Downtown in Des Moines as manager in the belts and purses department. She learned how to dress and accessorize for success. Her other careers were with AgCost, Sears Credit Union, C&J Leasing, cleaning St. Francis of Assisi, Supervalu office staff, Weekender Clothing, and currently with ITAGroup in customer service.

While working at Supervalu in Polk County, IA she met the love of her life, Patrick Coles. They were married on September 27, 1997 at St. Francis of Assisi and made their home in Des Moines.

Michelle had many hobbies including weekend trips with Patrick, making blankets for families, rock painting, Matilda her ’56 Chevy, making masks for the pandemic, and yearly birthday shopping. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi and currently St. Theresa Catholic Church, and was a MADD advocate for many years.

Michelle departed this world on Sunday, March 13, 2022 with her husband, mom and sister with her.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick; mother, Leota Giarratano; father, Jerry (Kathy) Waterman; sisters, Connie (James) Poole and Dawn Clapsaddle; step-brothers, Don (Rama) Giarratano and Don (Karen) Albert; step-sisters, Chari and Lisa Albert; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Meri) Coles and Larry (Dinah) Coles; sisters-in-law, Patty (John) Boland and Diane (Tony) Floming; uncles, Norman Rouse and Keith (Karen) Waterman; aunts, Linda Rouse, Linda (Roger) Welton, Daphen Prough, Delores Crookshank, Corrine (Lowell) Reed and Alona Boyles; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers.

Michelle was preceded in death by her brother, Scott Waterman; grandparents, Harold and Edith Rouse and Nolan and Beulah Waterman; step-father, Sam Giarratano; aunts, Leta Peterson and Veleta Tinjter; uncles, Howard Peterson, Laverne Rouse, Jack Rouse and Marv Stubbs; cousins, Steve, Laura, Robby and Jeff Peterson; and her mother and father-in-law, Dean and Mildred Coles.

Memorials may be directed to Patrick Coles for cancer research and for hospice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway and the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church followed by private family burial at RoseHill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown, IA.

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