Ethel ‘Dolly’ Colson

Ethel “Dolly” Colson, 76, of Carbondale, and formerly of Makanda, died at 11:35 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born in Pomona Township on Jan. 19, 1940, the daughter of Ogle and Claudine Stearns Hagler.

Ethel Colson was known by most as “Dolly,” an endearment given to her by her father as a young girl.

She married Henry Colson on March 9, 1960. Together they raised five children, all of whom survive, including Virgil (Tabatha) Colson of Johnston City, Steve (Patsy) Colson of Jonesboro, Russell (Kelly) Colson of Cambria, Diane (Dennis) Nance of Cobden and John (Tammy) Colson of Marion; 15 grandchildren, of whom she was most proud, Brandon Nance, Tasha Williams, Michael Colson, Crystal Inchcliff, Carmen, Josh and Caleb Colson, Kellen Colson, Staff Sgt. Joseph Colson, Tracy Thompson, Stacy Kelley, Carla Burnett, Tanner and Nathan Cruse and Kimberlee Klump; eight great-grandchildren, Silas Gwaltney, Caden and Bryson Inchcliff, Troy Williams, Angel Colson, Xander Smith, Aiden and Bentley Colson; one brother, Norris (Joan) Hagler and their family; one sister, Teresa (Ed) Sellars and their family; and many other relatives and friends.

Her family said Dolly loved everyone she met without question. She was a member of the Makanda Baptist Church for many years. She loved to sing at church and was very active in the Bible School. She was retired from the nursing home in Cobden after working for over 25 years as an LPN.

Services for Ethel “Dolly” Colson will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, today, at the Makanda Baptist Church in Makanda. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Makanda, with Ivan Ryan  officiating.

Friends can call after 9:30 a.m. and until the service hour at 11 a.m. on Thursday, today, at the Makanda Baptist Church.

Memorials can be made to Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden is in charge of arrangements.