Arlene Gaither Cole

If you ever spotted a silver-haired lady twirling at a church social or tapping her toes in the grocery aisle, chances are you met Arlene Gaither Cole. Arlene, 96, passed peacefully August 12, 2025, at Millers Merry Manor in Warsaw, with loving family around her, after a long illness. She never missed a good beat or a good laugh. Arlene was full of life and had many stories to tell.

Arlene was born on March 17, 1929, to Benjamin H. and Grace (Simon) Gaither in Bridgeport, Illinois. She graduated from Bridgeport Township High School.

On April 14, 1950, in Bridgeport, Arlene married Edgar C. Cole, an Army Veteran, and their family would move around the county in their travel trailer as Edgar worked as a railroad station agent. But he always said his favorite job was being Arlene’s dance partner.

She would work as a nurse’s surgical aid in Robinson, Illinois before spending most of her married life in Warsaw, raising their children, Sandra and Lynn Edgar, who kept her heart full and her feet moving. Together, they worked at the Friendship House, where Arlene ran housekeeping with the same gusto she brought to the dance floor.

A proud member of the Free Methodist Church, Arlene and her late husband, Edgar, spent years serving in ministry across several congregations. In recent years, she attended Warsaw New Harvest Church of the Nazarene and the church family there because an important part in her life.

Even in her 90s, Arlene could still cut a rug, proving age is just a number when you’ve got rhythm in your soul. She joined the Dancing Granny group and relished in performing for local nursing homes.

Arlene loved to have company over and host parties. She took great pride in her homemaking and always had her home decorated beautifully and included all the holidays. She never met a stranger and loved talking to anyone. She was a proud military wife and mother, wearing proudly her U.S.S. Indianapolis hat. The hat sparked the interest of many and allowed her to share her family’s history while serving our country. In the summer, the family loved to go to the church cabin in Clay City, Indiana. She was a phenomenal baker and known for her lemon cheesecake.

Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband Edgar; daughter Sandra Cole; son, Lynn Cole; her parents; sister Ilene Gaither; and brothers: Murl, Berlin, Loren, Veris, Forest, Wayne and Brice Gaither.

She is survived by multiple nieces & nephews & her "adopted daughters".

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kosciusko County Cancer Fund, C/O K-21 Health Foundation, 1101 Park Avenue, Winona Lake, IN 46590.