NEEDHAM, IN
Carla Anne Cole, 62, of rural Needham, IN passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Carla was the daughter of William and Anna Mae (Waggoner) Trueblood who preceded her in death, and she spent the last and best 34 years married to her moon and stars, Mark Cole. He survives, along with their beloved dog, Shiloh.
Carla was born on April 17, 1958 in Hancock County, IN and attended New Palestine High School. She and Mark were married on March 31, 1986.
She is also survived by her children, Carrie (Todd) Needham of Greenwood, Amy (Dale) Winters of Rockville, Jamie Sumner (Brandon Compton) of Indianapolis, Craig (Monica) Stickford of New Palestine, and Mark (Whitney) Cole of Rankin, IL.
To know Carla was to be loved by her. She will be greatly missed for her inescapable bear hugs completed with kisses, her cheesecake, and her savvy ability to make everyone she met feel like the most important person in her world. She enjoyed taking care of people and making them feel loved; and she was darn good at it. Carla was known for crocheting countless blankets, hats, and baby gifts for family and friends. She also enjoyed garage sales, flea markets, and any other outings with Mark.
Carla worked for 1045 Inc, where she contracted with Kroger stores to assist with their real estate division, after working for Kroger directly in the same capacity for several years. Her coworkers were as close to her heart as her own family. Carla was an ambassador for the American Heart Association Go Red For Women initiative.
As a mother to five, Carla also left behind a total of 24 grandkids who will miss her “grandma voice” and the way she lit up a room when she saw them. They are: Will and Lili Zaring; Samantha, Alexandria, Anthony, and Chloe Bordeaux; Destiny, Deanna, Jeremiah, Abigale, and Dayne Winters; Mallorie, Isabel, and Ethan Needham; Cailynne and Hailey Sumner; Kenzie, Lexie, Branson, and Ryerson Compton; Evan, Luke, and Nick Stickford; and Oliver Cole.
Due to COVID-19 Mandates, a private service will be conducted on Thursday December 10, 2020 at 11AM and will be live-streamed for family and friends can connect at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/carla-cole. Please use Firefox Internet or Google Chrome for optimal viewing. A public visitation will take place on Wednesday December 9, 2020 from 4PM until 8PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. Strict guidelines of 50 people or less at one time will be required along with facial coverings or mask to be worn for those attending. The family request those attending make their visit brief so everyone can be accommodated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Riley Children’s Foundation 30 South Meridian Street Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at www.rileykids.org or The American Diabetes Association 8604 Allisonville Road Suite 140 Indianapolis, IN 46250 or at www.diabetes.org.
