Obituary of Karol Ilene Cobb

Karol Ilene Cobb, age 85, of Erie, Michigan passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born June 20, 1938 in Charleston Township, Illinois to George and Gladys Rae (Whiles) Nees. She attended Whitmer High School and married J.B. Cobb on January 22, 1955 in Sylvania, Ohio.

She held many titles throughout her life, whether it be “Mom”, “Momma”, “Mother”, “Grandmother”, “Mimi” or “Betty”.  Although being a homemaker and caring for the needs of her husband and children was her main source of purpose, she also spent twenty years as a Unit Clerk at Toledo Hospital.  In her position at the hospital, God repeatedly used her to care for others, from the janitorial staff to the patients; Karol made it her ministry to share God’s word with people she met whenever she had the opportunity.   

To Karol all people mattered, and she wholeheartedly believed that anybody could accomplish anything if they were willing to invest the time and effort. Karol was always kind, encouraging and spunky.  At home, she taught respect of God’s word and following the rules.  She believed in continual improvement, even in her last illness as she was still caring and praying for people and sharing advice.

A staunch Democrat, she was patriotic and proudly flew her American Flag every day, “unless it was too windy”. Her walk with Christ began as a teenager at the Whitney Hills Church of Christ in Toledo and continued throughout her lifetime as a faithful member at Flanders Road Church of Christ, Toledo.  She believed in the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, never writing anyone off.  She often stated, “If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything”.

Karol was a hard worker and used her time wisely.  She loved to clean and keep her home tidy.  She was known to be consistent and constant in everything she did. No one ever had to guess where she was coming from or what she meant. When she did take the time to “relax”, she loved to read her Bible, cheer on the University of Michigan in all sports with her husband and kids, go camping with her family, plant flowers and play board games, especially her favorite board game “Sorry!”. She was a fierce competitor and never let anyone win, no matter what. 

To cherish her memory, she leaves four devoted children, Vicki Lynn Cobb-Boes (Mark Boes), Joyce (Kent) Rethlake, Timothy (Gwynne) Cobb and Jeffrey Cobb (Brooke Lauber-Cobb).  Karol is also survived by one sister, Ina Rae (Gerald) Drake; one brother, Ted (Antoinette) Rennels; sister-in-law, Dolly Fortner; brother-in-law, Tony Adams; seven grandchildren: Heather, Joshua, Jared, Jeremiah, Jessica (Matt), Jana (Aaron), and Andrew; eleven great grandchildren: Jayden, Levi, Maverick, Braeden, Benjamin, Matilyn, Kinsley, Claire, Logan, Liam, and Tenley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her identical twin sister, Karen Nees-Adams and several other family members.  Karol faithfully cared for her husband, J.B Cobb until his recent passing on October 17, 2023.

Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe,14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of Karol’s Life will take place at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, also at the funeral home with her son, Jeff Cobb officiating.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Memorials in her honor are suggested to Thayer Salisbury Mission work in Africa through Flanders Road Church of Christ.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.