Carol Cole

Fond memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved Carol Cole. A woman of substance who knew no greater joy than the family she adored and loved, Carol lived by way of example in her faith, devotion and dedication. Truly caring, Carol gave her all selflessly to those around her whether family or those entrusted to her professional care. In all ways, Carol was a good hearted woman who always had her loving arms open for those she loved. Beautiful from the inside out, she will be dearly missed.

Born in Columbia City, Indiana on May 15, 1934, Carol was the daughter of Alvin and Esther (Blanchard) Coyle.She came into the world at a time when families struggled through the hardships of the Great Depression, and impending war overseas. People learned to find joy in the little things,like gathering around the radio or going to a picture show which allowed them to free their minds from everyday worries.

Raised in Whitley County, Carol was the firstborn in her family and later came to welcome her two younger brothers, Kay and Kent. As a child Carol enjoyed all that being a little girl had to offer. She spent time playing with her friends and enjoyed the friendships of many. Like many young girls, music played a big role in her younger years. During high school Carol served on the yearbook committee and also had the honor of being the Sunshine Societys basketball queen before graduating from Larwill High School with the Class of 1952.

Shortly after graduating, Carol married her sweetheart, Bonald Cole on September 7, 1952. She met Bonald through family members when they helped her scout out a date for her senior prom. Like a match made in heaven, the two continued to date and fell deeply in love. The newlyweds lived in a rented apartment for a brief time before moving to a home of their own out off of State Road 205. There they began adding to their family with the blessing of five children to raise and love, Melodie, Rick, Brenda, Tammy, and Amy. Although a bustling household, Carol was in her element making a good home for Bonald and the kids. She loved being a wife and mother who was dedicated in all she said and did. She was an amazing cook, too! Some family favorites included her delicious apple dumplings, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles and macaroni which will all be missed.

Carol loved camping with her family and square dancing with her husband. She was always up for a good game of cards, Euchre or any game thatbrought her family together for that matter. She also enjoyed Yahtzee and working on puzzles. She loved her family and took every opportunity to spend as much time with her kids as she could. She was especially excited when she became a grandmother and she loved each of her grandchildren dearly. Faith was a vital part of Carols life, too. She was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church and at one time had been an active womens leader when her husband served as an associate with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ in Ft. Wayne.

Besides being a full-time housewife and mother, Carol worked outside thehomeas well. She worked at Montgomery Ward and also helped her parents who operated Meadowbrook Manor. Carols giving heart and her love for being a caregiver was a natural part of her nature. She touched numerous others over the years as a caregiver, placing her heart and soul into each individual she came in contact with. Following the death of her mother, Carol became more involved helping her father at Meadowbrook, and with her children older with lives of their own, it was a good fit for her. Even after she left there, Carol continued her role as a caregiver in other capacities all while sharing her loving care with others in her community.

After retiring, Carol and Bonald were able to travel all over the United States including Alaska. Many of these trips took place as a result of their delivering motor homes and taking in the sights along the way. When it came to music, Carol enjoyed listening toAlan Jacksonand even caught him in concert. She liked NASCAR and cheering on her favorite driver, Martin Truex Jr. who would win the race on Carols final day here on earth.

When Carols beloved Bonald passed away it was no less a difficult time for her. Through the love and support of family and friends, she made it through the hardest of these days. As always, Carol loved every moment with her family. She continued living in her longtime home for a few years after Bonald died in 2004 until it became too much for her. Along with the joy of family by her side, Carol liked watching Dancing with the Stars and Purdue University play basketball. She had always enjoyed the rivalry with Bonald and their son who were big Indiana University basketball fans.

Loved abundantly, Carol Cole was a woman who gave of her time and talents without ever expecting anything in return. She loved fully and completely straight from the heart, and those who were fortunate to have known and loved Carol valued her kindred spirit and caring ways. A woman of inner beauty, her outward beauty shown bright with each hug, kind word, and caring way she freely gave. Deeply loved and missed, Carol leaves treasured memories always to be cherished.

Carol J. Cole, 83, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Survivors include her children, Melodie (Denny) Fry, Rick (Michele) Cole, Brenda Caibaiosai, Tammy (Scott) McQueen, all of Columbia City and Amy (Frank) Dean, of Elkhart; brothers, Kay (Bonnie) Coyle, of Columbia City and Kent (Karen) Coyle, of Lehigh Acres, FL; 16 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Tracy Landis; and grandson, Justin Dean.

A memorial gathering will befrom 4-6:45 p.m. Thursday, October 12, 2017at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a memorial serviceat 7 p.m.Memorial gifts may be given in Carols memory to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. To share a favorite memory or photo of Carol, send condolences and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .