Bio-Murray, RachelCole

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Rachel Ruamy (Murray) Cole
(1881-1953)

Rachel Ruamy (Murray) Cole was born on Dec. 6, 1881 in Normalville, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Elijah and Hannah (Minerd) Murray. She often went by the nickname of "Amy."

Tragically, in May 1885, when she was only four years of age, Amy's parents died eight days apart, leaving her an orphan. The identity of whoever raised her is unknown, but it was someone who lived in Dunbar, Fayette County. After moving there in 1885 to begin a new life, she resided in Dunbar for her remaining 68 years.

Amy married Lutelis Cole (1877-1962), the son of Charles and Hannah (Johnson) Cole. They had seven children – Hannah Shupe, Albert N. Cole, Richard P. Cole, Jesse A. Cole, Raymond Cole, Homer Francis Cole Sr. and Ralph Cole.

The Coles resided at Pechin, near Dunbar, where Lutelis was employed by the Pennsylvania Wire Glass Company. Several of their sons served in the U.S. Armed Forces during wartime. She is seen here with son Ray, wearing his military hat, during a visit home.

Amy died at home on July 16, 1953, at the age of 72. The cause of her death is not known.

The following year, heartache struck the family again when son Albert Cole passed away.

Lutelis outlived Amy by nine years, and died at age 85 on Oct. 14, 1962. They are buried together in the Franklin Cemetery in Dunbar.

Son Richard Cole ( ? - ? ) was employed at the Liberty Powder Mill in Mt. Braddock and by Steel Scaffolding Co. of Uniontown. His wife Grace (Clingan) Cole was an employee of the popular Pechin's Market in Dunbar.

Son Homer Cole ( ? -2002) served as a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corps in World War 11, as a member of the 431st Fighter Squadron, in the Pacific Theatre. Later, he resided in Denver, CO, and was employed in highway maintenance. He passed away at age 82 on April 22, 2002, and was buried with military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado. Thanks to the efforts of his son Homer Jr., he is honored with a digital plaque on the website of the new National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.

Daughter Hannah Shupe, son Homer Sr., son Ray

Son Jesse Cole ( ? - ? ) of Dunbar was a coal miner and member of Local 9584 of the United Mine Workers of America.

Son Albert Cole ( ? - ? ) was a 33-year employee of the Pennsylvania Wire Glass Company.

Son Ralph Cole ( ? - ? ) resided in Rockwood, MI, where he worked for Calgon Corporation.

Granddaughter in law Sheila Cole (seen here in blue) helps a volunteer escort the "eternal flame" during the 2002 Olympic Torch Run in their community of Sunset, Utah.