Erla Vivian Cole age 82 passed away on May 26th, 2009 in Edmonds, WA. Erla was born on September 2, 1926 in Thorp, WA. She was the third child born to James and Amanda (Yearwood) Ellis. Erla attended local schools in Thorp and graduated from Thorp High School. Shortly after WWII, Erla met Leo Cole on a blind date at a Thorp basketball game in January 1946. They were engaged one month later, and married in March 1946. Leo and Erla were happily married for over 56 years, until Leo's passing in 2003. Both Leo and Erla were long-time members of the First Christian Church in Ellensburg where Erla was a regular member of the choir, Leo and Erla were also married there. Erla and Leo adopted a son Rod in 1952, and were surprised with twins Steve and Stan in 1953. Erla and Leo raised the boys on a small ranch in Ellensburg on Riverbottom. Erla enjoyed the ranch life, and also enjoyed cooking and baking for friends and family. Erla was a cook at the Ellensburg High School for several years, and also a dental assistant to Dr. Pearl in Ellensburg for many years. Erla enjoyed being a member of choral groups and weight watchers in the Ellensburg area. Erla liked to travel, and she was able to enjoy several wonderful trips around the U.S. with her husband Leo, together they saw almost all 50 states and several Canadian provinces. Erla had a spirit of adventure, and once traveled by a small fishing boat with just herself and two of her nieces from Seattle to Alaska. Erla is survived by her sons Stan Cole and his wife Terri and their daughter Kelsey, Steve Cole and his wife Julie and their son Jeff, granddaughters Stacey Flores, Katie Cole, Megan Cole, grandsons Rodney Justice and Robert Cole as well as 9 great grandchildren, her sister, Patricia Cole and her husband Ray and their daughter Stephanie. Preceding her in passing were her parents, husband Leo Cole who passed in 2003, son Rod Cole who passed in 2000, sister Louise Conklin and brother Paul Ellis. There will be a time of visitation at Steward & Williams Tribute Center in Ellensburg on Friday, May 29, 2009 from 4pm-8pm. Graveside services will be held at the High Valley Cemetery in Ellensburg on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 11am. Arrangements are under the care of Steward & Williams Tribute Center in Ellensburg. There will be a gathering at the First Christian Church in Ellensburg immediately after the graveside service.