Lynette Cole — one of the regionally renown “Cole Family” singers — is listening to the radio more these days. That’s because a song she wrote, Look Up, can now be heard on bluegrass and gospel stations both on line and over the airwaves.
A resident of rural Edna, Cole gave permission to a nationally recognized band, “Triple L,” to record the song which also was recorded on the Coles’ acapella CD titled No Strings Attach’d. She wrote it 10 years ago and Look Up has been a favorite with audiences wherever the Coles perform. And it was thoughts about her parents that provided the inspiration to write the song.
Lynette said her dad and mother were facing some incredibly difficult financial times in 1999 and had some heavy decisions to make about the farm and dairy they owned.
“It hurt me to see them so discouraged about life,” she said. “One day I was working in the yard, thinking about and praying for them and the thought crossed my mind that I wished they could just look up … look above all the distress and see the One that knows exactly how to calm the storm that so visibly was battering their world. A smile can return to our face if we just look up.”
“I was so excited when Triple L asked me for permission, and then to see and hear the response from people and even radio stations already is overwhelming — in a good way,” said Cole.
The Triple L band members obtained a copy of the Coles’ acapella album, heard Look Up and immediately liked it.
Although she has written many songs, Look Up is the only one to be recorded by another group.
Lynette said the inspiration for her songs is all relative.
“It doesn’t matter where or when as long as I’m inspired,” she said. “I remember writing a love song for my husband Kevin. I was driving and had no paper except for a Taco Bell receipt. That’s where the words were written. Since I love the outdoors, it does seem like a lot of my songs are written mentally while I’m mowing, in my greenhouse or taking a walk through the pasture.”
She estimates that she has written more than 75 songs.
Lynette and Kevin team up as singers with her sister and husband, Retha and Orin Cole who live near them at rural Bartlett. Add all their children, Madison, Logan, Brad and Travis and it becomes quite an on-stage sight, with plenty of mellow, harmonious sounds that provide entertainment for audiences and praise to their Lord, all in one musical package.
The singing Coles, by the way, are two sisters who married two brothers.
“Our family has been so amazed already at the opportunities we have been given through music,” Lynette said. “Because of the bluegrass music we perform, we have been able to travel more than we ever thought we would and played at venues we never thought possible. We’ve met some of the nicest folks that have been so supportive. It’s been a very fun and exciting journey for all of us!
Anyone may purchase the Coles’ CD or get more information about their performance schedule by visiting their website: colesbluegrass.com.
To purchase the Triple L CD which features Look Up, go to TripleLBand.com.

For more information, see the July 9 issue of the Labette Avenue. Death notices from previous postings can be found by searching the Labette Avenue archives on this website.

Maud “Patch” Griffitt

COLUMBUS—Maud “Patch” Griffitt, 101, of rural Columbus, Kan., died Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at the Oswego Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Oswego, Kan.

Funeral services were held Monday July, 7, at the Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus with Dennis Johnson, pastor, officiating. Burial was in the McKee Cemetery in Hallowell. Online condolences may be left at www.columbus-kansas.com/simpson.

Jim F. Barney, Jr.

PARSONS—Jim F. Barney, Jr., 63, of Parsons, Kan., died Friday, July 4, 2008, at Labette Health following a brief illness.

Graveside memorial services were held Tuesday, July 8, at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. The services were under the direction of the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to the Labette Health Foundation for the Intensive Care Unit. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Gilbert C. Cole

CHETOPA—Gilbert C. Cole, 85, of Chetopa, Kan., died Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Landmark Hospital in Joplin, Mo.

Services were held Wednesday, July 8, at Chetopa United Methodist Church. Interment was at North Edna Cemetery, Edna, Kan.

Jim Thomas, Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, Okla., was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chetopa United Methodist Church.

Mary E. Boswell

PARSONS—Mary E. Boswell, 83, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, July 6, 2008, at her home. She had been in failing health the past four years.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at Memorial Lawn Cemetery Patio. Burial followed.

Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons, was in charge of arrangements.

Nell Irene Dixon

McCUNE—Nell Irene Dixon, 100, formerly of McCune, Kan., died Saturday, July 5, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Society of Parsons, where she resided since 2004.

Funeral services were held Monday at Murdock Funeral Home in Oswego. Burial was at McCune Cemetery.

Family suggests memorials to the McCune Cemetery Patio Fund and these may be sent to the McCune City Office, P.O. Box 187, McCune, 66753, or the funeral home, 203 Illinois, Oswego, 67356.

Reva Abbott

CHERRYVALE—Reva Abbott, 102, of Cherryvale, Kan., died Sunday, July 6, 2008, at her home in Cherryvale.

A graveside service was held Wednesday at Fairview Cemetery at Cherryvale.

Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left or sent to Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Moneta Kite Hanny

PARSONS—Moneta Kite Hanny, 96, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at Parsons Presbyterian Manor, where she had resided since April 2002.

Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.

Verona O. Chambers

PARSONS—Verona O. Chambers, 72, of Parsons, Kan., died at 11:45 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2008, at her home. She had been in failing health.

Cremation will take place. No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Clifton L. Gilmore

PARSONS—Clifton L. Gilmore, 32, of Parsons, Kan., died Wednesday, July 2, 2008.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 7, at the Church of the Nazarene in Parsons. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Church of the Nazarene Building Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Ernest M. Hart

PARSONS—Ernest M. Hart, 81, rural Parsons, Kan., died Thursday, July 3, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Parsons. He had been in failing health.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 7, at the Springhill Cemetery Patio, with military honors given by the Parsons V.F.W. Post. Memorials are suggested to Operation Bright Touch in Parsons. They may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.