Ola Jane Cox Painter

Ola Jane Cox Painter, 86, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Ola was born to the late Nellie Gray Kanode Cox and Raymond Lee Cox in Botetourt, Va., on Sunday, March 26, 1939. She had a passion for gardening and took pride in the beautiful plants she tended. Ola’s grandchildren, Ryan and Audrey, were the light of her life. Above all, Ola adored her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with her loved ones. She leaves behind many treasured memories, and her beloved family will miss her dearly.

In addition to her parents, Ola was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wayne “Buddy” Painter; brothers, Herman Lee Cox, Sr. and John W. Cox; and her sister, Leona Cox Nowlin.

Left to cherish Ola’s memory are her son, Frederick Allen Painter (Jenny); sisters, Louise Stacy (Clyde) and Ruby Wilkes; beloved grandchildren, Ryan Allen Painter and Audrey Faith Painter; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A service will be held in honor of Ola’s life at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory in Salem. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of the service. Interment will follow at Mount Union Cemetery, located at 5155 Blacksburg Road in Mount Union, Va.

Ola’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to many dear family and friends for their love and support during this time.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.