Ira E. Cole

Softly in the morning, you heard a gentle call you took the hand God offered you, and quietly left us all….. Ira E. Cole, 93, of Glen Valley Road, Athens, Pa passed away on Monday, September 19, 2011. Ira was born on June 22, 1918 in Windham, Pennsylvania a son of the late Merritt and Cecil (Walker) Cole. Ira was a former member and past board member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Waverly and was a co-founder and member of the Athens Wesleyan Church. Ira was a long time employee of IBM in Endicott and Owego. In addition he also drove school bus for the Athens and Sayre schools; many will remember his smile and caring ways of crossing area children to school until the age of 85. He enjoyed horses, farming, visiting with others at the Valley Stock Yard. Ira and Mary always enjoyed sharing meals with others whether it was at a local diner or a church supper. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many children who's lives he brightened. Ira is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary (Kishbaugh) Cole; his children: David and Ruth Cole of Athens; James and Patti Cole of Sayre; Robert and Margaret Cole of Athens , Pa; Marilyn Mosher Williamson and Joe Williamson of Trout Run, Pa; Nancy and Ryan Miller of Tioga Center, Pa; a daughter-in-law: Carol Mitchell of Texas; brothers and sisters-in-law: John and Susan Cole; James (Lou) Cole; sister Rosella Hess all of State College, PA; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-four great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Ira was predeceased by his parents; his first wife Marion Dawn Cole on February 2, 1954; a son Gary Mitchell; son-in-law: Thomas Mosher; brother Robert Cole and sister Bertha Stoner. Funeral services and a celebration of Ira's life will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 11 am at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols with Rev. Larry Day, officiating. Interment and prayers of committal will follow in the Nichols Cemetery. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Wednesday, September 21st from 6 to 8 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com