Cole, Orsa (Meredith) 1850-1923

COLE, MEREDITH, MURPHY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/20/2012 at 14:55:07

Obituary dated Feb. 27, 1923

MRS. A.B. COLE DIES
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Funeral of One of Grinnell's Good Women Was Held This Afternoon.

Mrs. Orsa Meredith Cole was born in Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1850, and died at Grinnell, February 25, 1923, at the age of 72 years, 5 months and 25 days.

When a small child she moved with her parents to Bloomingdale, Ill., where she lived until 1868 when the family moved to Iowa, settling on a farm four miles southwest of Malcom.

In September, 1871, she was united in marriage to A.B. Cole. To them were born two children, one of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Cole has been connected with the church and active in church work all her life. When a girl she united with the Congregational church at Bloomingdale and during her residence in Malcom was affiliated with the Presbyterian church of that place. Upon moving to Grinnell in 1901 she placed her membership in the Congregational church. For many years she was a most faithful member of the morning choir. Mrs. Cole was also a member of the Eastern Star and the Women's Relief Corps and as a member performed her duties to the best of her ability.

In 1921 Mr. and Mrs. Cole celebrated their golden wedding anniversary when they were the recipients of many greetings and remembrances from their numerous friends. During the last few years Mrs. Cole has made a home for her son and his little daughter, Gail. She was a kind neighbor and was untiring in the performance of her duty as she saw it.

Mrs. Cole's death was caused by a two-weeks illness that developed into pneumonia. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, A.B. Cole, her son, R.A. Cole, one granddaughter, Gail M. Cole, a sister, Mrs. John Murphy, and several nephews and nieces.

The funeral was held from the home this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, Rev. E.W. Cross being in charge of the services. Interment was made in the cemetery at Malcom.

Mrs. Cole was a woman of high character and noble aims. During all the years of residence in Grinnell she has been an influence for good. One of her last activities was the collection of money for an orphan asylum in Council Bluffs, to which she devoted much time and energy. She was interested and active in every good work which came to her to do. She will be greatly missed by all who have come in contact with her cheery, helpful personality.