Betty J. Cole

RICHMOND, Ind. - Betty J. Cole, age 91, of Richmond, died Monday, May 25, 2015, at Arbor Trace Exceptional Senior Living. Betty was the daughter of Fred and Marcella Buthala Gipson, and was born in Beresford, South Dakota, on March 4, 1924. Moving from the Buthala hometown at an early age, her parents settled in Connersville, Indiana, where she grew up. Betty graduated from Connersville High School in 1944 and attended Ball State Teachers College, majoring in art and voice. She worked at American Kitchen and McQuay-Norris Manufacturing Company in personnel departments signing up workers who were badly needed for the war effort. After her 1948 marriage to Glenn Cole, Betty left Connersville and lived in Cambridge City for over 50 years. She was very talented in art and won several art shows featuring her paintings in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Her rendition of the Overbeck House is currently on display in the Cambridge City Library. Enjoying (as well as painting) flowers, her yard on Lincoln Drive was a showplace of color. Helping young children was a lifelong ambition for Mrs. Cole, who started volunteering at Central Elementary School when her children were students there. Later, she worked as a reading tutor and then building representative for the elementary reading program. She worked in this capacity for 14 years. Betty, with her husband, enjoyed wintering in Florida for 17 years. While there, she continued her volunteer work at the Ellenton Elementary School, again assisting young children to read. Betty was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Cambridge City and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Betty is survived by her husband of 66 years, Glenn Russell Cole, to whom she was married on June 26, 1948; sons, Gary R. Cole of Richmond and Steven F. (Sarah) Cole of Birmingham, Alabama; two grandchildren, Jack and Piper Cole; cousins; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Gipson. Visitation for Betty J. Cole will be from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Deacon Frank Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Cambridge City, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Welfare League, 1825 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN or Cambridge City Public Library, in memory of Betty Cole, 600 West Main Street, Cambridge City, IN 47327. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Betty J. Cole

March 4, 1924 - May 25, 2015