Arilda Kathryn Cole

Arilda (Ril) Kathryn Pruden Cole, age 89, of Raleigh, NC passed away in the early hours of February 8th, 2026.

Wife, mother, sister, homemaker and community volunteer. Ril will be remembered for her devotion to family and friends and her generosity to others. She participated in many philanthropic, civic and activist organizations throughout her life. While living in Rochester, NY, Ril was an active member of the social justice organization, Metro Act and she served as the Director of Volunteer Services for the American Red Cross for 20 years. When she moved to North Carolina she joined and became a long-time volunteer for The Assistance League of the Triangle, Alta, a service organization dedicated to providing clothing and supplies to school children and their families. She was also very involved in her church community, The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh. Ril was a very creative person, and she expressed this passion through cooking and entertaining.

She is survived by her Son, Steven Roger Cole (Nancy Cole), Daughter Alison Kay Cole, grandchildren Cole and Connor McGinnis, Sister Nancy Joyce (Dick Joyce) of Minneapolis, MN, and fifteen nieces and nephews.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, May 30th, 2026 at 10:30 AM the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh (UUFR).

Ril’s wish is for family and friends to share acts of kindness with others, or contribute to a charity of their choice or to the UUFR Foundation in her memory.