On April 3, 2026, Stasha Jewel (Cole) Bales, age 71, entered into the presence of the Lord. A devoted follower of Christ, she inspired many by her unwavering strength and faith in God. She was dedicated to daily Bible study and readily shared her belief with all. Stasha was born on January 26, 1955 in Ironton, Missouri to Robert and Juanita (Jones) Cole. She is survived by her son Joshua Moses (Susan), of O’Fallon, Missouri, and grandchildren, Matthew Lubbers, of Wentzville, Missouri, and Andrew Moses and Lauren Moses of O’Fallon, Missouri. Her stepsons, Kevin Bales and Bradley Bales, reside in Park Hills, Missouri. She is also survived by five siblings: Martha Archer (Martin) of Ironton, Missouri; Maralie Boushie (Michael), of Viburnum, Missouri; Walter Cole (Latoya), of Blytheville, South Carolina; Sharon Miles (Thomas), of Viburnum, Missouri; and Shirley Davenport (John), of Festus, Missouri. Stasha was blessed with a host of loving nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great nephews. Her precious Morkie, Coco, was a joy to her. Preceding her in death are her parents and her beloved husband, David Bales; two infant brothers, Robert and Richard; three brothers, Dean, J.D., and David Cole; and one sister, Roberta (Cole) Chapman. An avid runner, Stasha enjoyed the outdoors, including doing gardening. Lifelong relationships with friends from her school years in Ironton and Viburnum were a blessing. Throughout her work life, she enjoyed serving others, especially in her most recent roles at the Bonne Terre and Farmington, Missouri, public libraries, where she made lasting friendships with coworkers and was known for her perseverance and sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by friends and family members, alike. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or your public libraries.