January 28, 1966 - October 20, 2023

Cathy Lyn Cole was born January 28, 1966, to JoAnn Taylor and Lloyd Flock in Denver, Colo. From there, Cathy moved to Hot Springs, S.D. to be with her father and Kay, and is where she spent most of her younger years. Growing up, Cathy found a love for horses which eventually led her to accomplish her dream of owning a ranch in the Black Hills with horses.

After traveling from Hot Springs to Colorado and then on to California, Cathy met the love of her life Fritz Cole. The couple were married in Palos Verdes, Calif. on April 28, 1989. In their time together, they enjoyed many adventures together including expanding G.F. Cole Corporation where Cathy became the Vice President.

As the years went on, Cathy and Fritz wanted to be closer to Cathy’s parents, so they purchased “Rinky Dink Ranch” in Custer, S.D. in 2013. Moving back, gave Cathy the opportunity to use the Vaquero horsemanship starting with the hackamore.  She wanted to use this method, so that her relationship between her and her horses became a partnership. Her horses, Rosie and Trixie, were truly her passion.

Cathy made so many friends by helping on surrounding ranches moving cattle and just riding the hills. She loved every aspect of western life. Cathy was a cowgirl at heart.

Cathy is survived by her husband of 34 years, Fritz Eric Cole; parents, Lloyd and Kay Flock of Hot Springs; biological mother, JoAnn Reedy of Florida; sister, Dawn (Jeff) Jones of Otis, Colo.; niece, Kylie Jones, and nephews, Kaleb and Kristopher Jones.

A Celebration of Life was held October 27, 2023, at Gateway Fellowship Church in Newcastle, Wyo.