Ruby Darlene Cole, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, kindness, and quiet strength.

Darlene was the first of eight children born to Frank and Nellie Fudge. She grew up on a farm near Timber Lake, South Dakota, where she developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, hard work, and the simple joys of country life.

After graduating from high school, she attended Dakota Wesleyan University, majoring in English with a minor in History. While there, she met Doris Cole, who introduced her to her brother, Samuel Cole. Darlene and Samuel were married on August 21, 1963.

The couple made their home in Winner, South Dakota, where Darlene taught freshman English. After the arrival of their children, she embraced her role as a stay-at-home mother, devoting herself wholeheartedly to raising her family. She found great fulfillment in farm life and especially enjoyed gardening, caring for animals, and making every house feel like home. Whether she was painting, wallpapering, or rearranging furniture, Darlene was always creating a warm and welcoming space.

She delighted in sharing her love of gardening with her daughters—even if, as she would jokingly admit, she couldn't always pass along her green thumb. Her many hobbies included quilting, knitting, birdwatching, and working puzzles. A lifelong lover of words, she enjoyed countless spirited games of Scrabble and never passed up the opportunity to solve a challenging puzzle.

Darlene's curiosity and determination made her a lifelong learner. In her forties, she attended North Dakota State University to study administrative assistance. She later worked at both the university library and the local public library, where she combined her love of learning with her lifelong passion for books and reading.

Above all, Darlene's life was defined by her deep love for Jehovah God. Reading the Bible was one of her greatest joys, and her faith quietly guided her throughout her life. She found comfort and confidence in God's promises and held firmly to the hope of the resurrection. As expressed in Acts 24:15, "there is going to be a resurrection." Her family finds peace in knowing that she rests safely in Jehovah's memory and eagerly looks forward to the day when He will awaken her to life again on a peaceful paradise earth, where they will be joyfully reunited forever.

Darlene was preceded in death by her younger brother, Randy Fudge.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Millard "Bum" Fudge, Frank "Sonny" Fudge, Ken Fudge, Dean Fudge, Jim Fudge, and Judy Anderson; her five children, Denise, Jeffrey, Thomas, Lynette, and Karmela; and her cherished grandchildren, Jill, Holly, Kevin, and James.

Darlene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, love of family, and the quiet ways she made the lives of those around her richer and more beautiful. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and enduring hope will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.