Elizabeth L. "Beth" Cole, age 79 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Tipton Hospital (IU Health) in Tipton following complications from Alzheimer's Disease, but a well-lived and happy life. She was born on October 16, 1936 in Elwood to Hoyt and Irene (Juday) Brewer. Beth was a Homemaker almost all of her life, and loved caring for her family. She was a 1954 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later married James E. "Jim" Cole on March 22, 1959. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage together.

Beth was baptized in East Main Street Christian Church on April 13, 1958, and remained a devoted member – participating in the Great Banquet ministry and the Christian Followers Sunday School Class for many years. She was also a member and former recording secretary of the Delta Theta Tau Sorority - Beta Chapter, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She and Jim were very active in the Elwood Kiwanis Club, and could be seen at nearly all the club's functions. Beth volunteered at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital for many years; was active in supporting the Elwood Morrisett Center; member of the Elwood Alumni Association; and formerly volunteered with Community V.N.A. Beth was a fixture at many activities and functions throughout the Elwood community, and always had a smile or kind word for everyone she met. She participated in clowning for many years, and was known as "Smiley the Clown" when she entertained within the community. She was especially known for being a great cook, and catered for many years at Watson's Greenbriar with her best friend, Gretchen Watson. She was also known for crocheting all kinds of items; and was proud to have hosted several foreign exchange students over the years. Beth will always be remembered for calling her friends and church family on their birthday each year to express her well wishes. Beth's family enjoyed camping for many years, and were members of the National Travel Club. In later years, Beth and Jim wintered in Okeechobee, Florida and made many good friends to stay active with throughout the winter. More than anything, she was devoted to caring for and supporting her family in any way she could nearly all of her life. In recent years, her husband and family were then devoted to caring for her. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and church family.

She is survived by her husband, James E. "Jim" Cole of Elwood, 3 children, Marcy (husband Mel) Fry of Elwood, Martin (wife Stephanie) Cole of Lawrence, Marjorie (husband Mark) Morgan of Tipton; 14 grandchildren, Troy (Leah) Robertson, Kaylie (Jason) Phillips, Michael (Alex) Cole, Dani Cole, Jessica (Jeremy) Stewart, Sophia Morgan, Nate Morgan, Ben (Diana) Fry, Andy (Liz)Fry, Misty (David) Wallace, Sheila Vann, Dennis J. Cole, Damian Cole, and Destynee Cole, 12 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jacob, Claire, Elliot, Oliver, Olivia, Jackson, Mercedes, Zachery, Thomas, Alexia, and David; special family members, Leigha and Liam; daughter-in-law, Jayne Cole of Muncie; sister-in-law, Joan (Kendric) Hosier of Alexandria; special nieces, Debbie and Cindy; and beloved lifelong friends, Earl & Gretchen Watson and family. She was preceded in death by her father, Hoyt W. Brewer; mother, Irene Jack; step-father, William Jack; and son, Matthew Cole.

A Life Celebration Funeral Service for Beth will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of the church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 9, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home and from 10 am to until the funeral service on Saturday morning at the church. A Delta Theta Tau Memorial Service will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday evening at the funeral home followed by St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Volunteer Memorial and an Order of Eastern Star Memorial. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the East Main Street Christian Church Good Neighbor Fund, 1801 Main Street, Elwood, IN 46036. Online condolences may be expressed at copherfeslermay.com.