Ethel Ailene Cole

Ethel Ailene Cole, age 100, of Cottonwood, AZ passed away Friday morning, January 3, 2025, at Cottonwood Village, AZ. She was born January 21,1924 in Williams, AZ a daughter of the late Sherman Bristol Moore and Grace Agnes Moore (Lockridge) and graduated from Wasch Academy (Class of 1941), Mt. Peasant, UT. She was a veteran of the US Navy WAVES WWII; grew up at Grand Canyon and lived there for 23 years, got married and moved to Pico Rivera, CA for 13 years. In 1958 she moved to Williams, AZ and retired from Southern Union Gas as a customer consultant after 20 years of service. She lived in Williams, AZ until 2000 then moved to Cottonwood, AZ to get away from the harsh winters. 

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Harry James Cole and two sisters, Eleanor “Pinky” Oesdean, and Sherma Bierhaus.

She was a member of the American Legion – Post 42, Grand Canyon Historical Society, and the Episcopal Church. She was a work volunteer for the Williams Little League, Nights of Pythian’s, the Williams Volunteer Fire Department fund raisers, the Lions Club / Toys for Tots and she volunteered at Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC) for 18 years. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and counted cross stitch. She loved camping, wood hauling and the out of doors and most of all being with her family as they were the highlight of her life. 

Ethel is survived by four sons and four daughters-in-laws, S. Dennis Cole (Elaine) of Sedona, AZ, Richard J. Cole (Beverly) of Williams, AZ, Forrest W. Cole (Shirley) of Petersburg, AK, and Martin C. Cole (Peggy) of Chino Valley, AZ; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

There will be no service as she requested. She will be cremated and half of her ashes will be buried alongside of Harry J. Cole in the Williams Cemetery and the other half scattered at an undisclosed place (that she requested) with family members present.