Evelyn M. (Croop) Cole

Evelyn M. Cole, 93, of Bloomsburg, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, March 5, 2021.  Born in Berwick on February 11, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Mary (Hess) Croop. 

Evelyn was a graduate of Berwick High School, Class of 1946.  On October 6, 1951, she married Robert B. Cole.  Together, they raised their children and enjoyed 69 years of marriage.  Evelyn worked as a customer service representative for Nationwide Insurance at the Fish Agency in Berwick for 41 years.  She retired from the agency in 1993.  For more than 20 years, she and Robert operated the Cole’s Melon Cup stand at the Bloomsburg Fair.  Evelyn always had some daredevil tendencies.  She obtained her pilot’s license at the age of 16 and was regularly seen riding on the back of a motorcycle with her husband.  Evelyn loved motorsports, especially watching her son and grandson racing at the dirt tracks, and was an avid NASCAR fan.  She also enjoyed gardening.  Her greatest joy, however, was her family and the time spent with them. 

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Robert B. Cole.  Also surviving are children:  Linda Stout of Berwick, Donna Chapin and companion R.D. Young, of Bloomsburg, Chris Heydenreich and fiancé Don Parkhurst, of Bloomsburg, and Alan Cole and wife Karen, of Orangeville; grandchildren:  Shane Stout and wife Tracy, of Bloomsburg, Cheryl Slusser and husband Cliff, of Stillwater, Melinda Vasilakos and husband Kevin, of NY, and Tara Figard and husband T.J., of NC; great-grandchildren:  Blake Stout, Quinlynn Slusser, Evelyn Figard, and Adeline Figard; brothers:  Dale Croop and wife Barbara, and William Croop and wife Nancy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her son-in-law Dan Stout, her brother Harlan Croop, and his wife, June.

All are welcome to join Evelyn’s family for her graveside service at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Pine Grove Cemetery, Walnut Street, Berwick.  Pastor Scott Lyons of Stillwater Christian Church will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Evelyn’s name can be made to a charity of your choosing.  The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Cole family.  Online messages of comfort and support can be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.  

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