Wylda Rae Zilhaver Cole, 89, of Cambridge Springs, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at Edinboro Manor. She was born in Cambridge Springs on May 20, 1937, the daughter of the late Neva and Ross Zilhaver. Wylda married the late William “Bill” Kaley Cole in 1955.A lifelong resident of Cambridge Springs, Wylda was deeply involved in her community and volunteered for countless community events. She and Bill traveled near and far to support Blue Devils athletics. Wylda was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills, where she served on many committees and dedicated endless hours to the choir as an alto and to the bell choir. She positively influenced countless children through her years teaching Sunday school and leading the children’s music program.
Wylda was a beautician and a dedicated homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family. Wylda cherished her family and friends, introducing many to tent camping, boating aboard “The Hot Cole’s” at Tionesta, and loving the nature the Lord provides. She enjoyed theater, music, and all things involving water.
In addition to her husband, Bill Cole, Wylda was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Cole; sister, Joyce Zilhaver; brother, Alton Zilhaver; brothers-in-law, Mike Bobella and Rick Krouse; great-grandchild, Camden; and great-great-granddaughter, Rudy.
Survivors include her daughters, Karen Cole (Lisa Brinker) and Kenda (Jeff) Murdock; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Cole; grandchildren, Kaley, Kellie, Colleen, Diana, John, Bridget, Kevin, Natalie, Bradley, and Laiken; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Charley (Bonnie) Zilhaver, Juanita (Harry) Farias, Lorna Krouse, and Zaidee Bobella.
Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday, September 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friends are also invited to attend the funeral service at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills on Friday, September 4, at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or any Cambridge Springs High School Athletics Booster Program.
To send condolences, please visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
Condolences(4)-
-
-
-
To send flowers, please consult our Local Florists page.
Previous Smith, Jeffrey W.
Next Pace, Ronald R. Sr.
Dennis and Debbie Ransom says
September 1, 2026 at 2:36 pmKaren and family,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
May God wrap you in His loving arms & give you the comfort & support that you all need at this time.
Nancy Burdick says
September 1, 2026 at 5:22 pmTo the Cole and Zilhaver Family,
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Don & Kathy Haven says
September 2, 2026 at 7:57 amNita and Lorna – Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family for your loss.
Tim Grube says
September 2, 2026 at 3:45 pmSo sorry for your loss. She was a special lady.