Avanelle M. Decola Obituary (1923

Avanelle McComas DeCola, 88, passed away on March 17, 2012, Saint Patrick's Day, true to her Irish heritage. Born August 30, 1923 in Huntington, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Robert E. and Rosa Lee McComas. She was devoted to education and its power to change lives. A lifelong teacher from an early age, she earned her BA in Education from Marshall University and took her Masters and Doctoral work at OSU. She taught for 35 years, primarily with Columbus Public Schools, and valued her time at Gettysburg; she also enjoyed and continued to be involved with the Wonderful Women of Winterset. She was a student of history and how personalities affected the course of change and traveled the world to experience it firsthand. She loved beautiful things, both in art and nature. She also was active with several volunteer activities, including the Trading Post. Her family was of primary importance to her and she patricularly loved knowing her great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her brother Earl McComas and sister Ilda Alley. She is surived by her children, Robin (Bob) Cole of Columbus, and Bill (Bobbie) Elster of Askansas; grandchildren, Ellen (Todd) Dowell of Columbus, Mendy Adams of Virginia, Christy (Mike) Phillips of Louisiana, and David (Kathy) Elster of Texas; great-grandchildren, Myles, Alex, Kyle, Olivia and Ryan; nephews, Tom Alley of London, England, and Alvin (Karen) Alley of Virginia. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Service of remembrance to be held at a future date.