Ruth Fralin Cole

Ruth Fralin Cole, 88, went to be with the Lord on January 8, 2014 in Suffolk, Virginia after a prolonged illness. One of six children, Ruth was born to Alfred Garrett, Sr. and Etta Beheler Fralin on August 15, 1925 in Franklin County, Virginia. After graduation from Rocky Mount High School in 1941, and a post graduate course in 1942, Ruth worked for the Defense Department in Washington, D.C. until her acceptance to the Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Roanoke, Virginia. After graduation she became a registered nurse and continued her dedicated nursing career for the following 30 years in the Roanoke area. In 1976 she retired from nursing when she and her husband moved to Wirtz, Virginia. Ruth was a great cook, an able seamstress, gifted correspondent, and a diligent housekeeper. She loved music, singing and helping others. She enjoyed her friends and greatly enjoyed being active in retirement with her husband, family and friends at Red Valley United Methodist Church. Above all, Ruth was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. She is survived by daughters Carolyn Cole Hill and husband Jack of Wichita Falls, Texas; Andrea Cole Bender and husband Bradley of Draper, Utah; son Alan Barry Cole and wife Kathy of Suffolk, Virginia; daughter-in-law Mary Webb Cole Jamison; grandchildren Stephanie Hill Drury and husband David, Jennifer Hill MacLean and husband Tom, John Sanford Hill III, Randall Aaron Bender and wife Keri, Joel Bradley Bender, Charles Alan Cole and wife Melissa, Christy Ann Cole, Nicholas Aaron Cole, Jonathan Aaron Cole, Garrett Douglas Cole and wife Amy, Maggie Cole Barnes and husband Maurice; great-grandchildren Judah and Rilian Drury, Isabel MacLean, Jacob, Brian, Jada and Brianna Cole, Kenley Cole, Mason Barnes, and Natayla Bender. Also surviving are Ruth's sister Mary Jo Fralin Brown of Rocky Mount, Virginia and brother A.G. Fralin, Jr. and wife Christiane of Lexington, Virginia. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Etta Fralin, sisters June Fralin Graveley, Edith Fralin Arrington, and brother Thomas Franklin Fralin. More recently called to Heaven were her husband of 62 years Aaron J. Cole and beloved son Wade Douglas Cole. A service of witness to the resurrection and a celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday January 24 at Red Valley United Methodist Church on Jubal Early Hwy in Boones Mill, Virginia, followed by a graveside committal service. Immediately following the services, the family will receive friends at the church. The family suggests that memorial contributions to Red Valley Methodist Church may be made in Ruth's memory. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.