Lynn Diana Koethe Cole, BHS 1959

Lynn Diana Cole, creative, artist, professional marketer and merry-maker, died peacefully Nov. 24, 2015, in Hot Springs after a lengthy battle with dementia. She was 74. Born in Long Beach, Calif., Lynn was the eldest of two daughters of William Oscar Sylvanis Koethe and Mildred Lorraine, descendants of 18th century German artist and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. 

In the 60s, Lynn worked at Whittaker Corporation, where she met and married Dr. Leland G. Cole, a former JPL executive, who helped develop rocket fuel for the inaugural mission to the moon. Lynn and Lee were married 11 years, had two children and enjoyed entertaining in their home on the water in Huntington Harbor, Calif. After the divorce, Lynn moved to Santa Ana, worked for Jack LaLanne European Health Spa, became the lead singer of a folk band and volunteered for then Governor Ronald Reagan. 

Lynn can best be described as "larger than life." Her beauty and smile were matched by an uncommon zest for life. She loved to travel and engage in all things artistic. An avid painter, Lynn created over 60 works of art, often gifting portraits to friends and family, including one to Lawrence Welk, who once asked Lynn to join his television show as a singer. 

In 1977, Lynn became a Christian and began working for Calvary Chapel Church of Costa Mesa, Calif., where she soon met and married an associate pastor. This union resulted in a move across country to open a Bible bookstore in Amity. The marriage was brief, and Lynn and her children then settled in Hot Springs. Lynn worked 20 years in the hospitality industry including manager of the Music Hall, a theater-in-the-round, booking musical acts like Conway Twitty and Crystal Gayle.

Her favorite job was public relations and marketing manager for the Arlington Hotel. For more than a decade, Lynn orchestrated elaborate parties, events and hosted VIPs including The Clintons, Barbara Bush, Jimmy Carter, Lawrence Welk performers, Miss Americas and Miss Arkansas. Lynn was proud to show visitors around Hot Springs, always believing in the town's potential to become world renown for the arts, abundant natural resources and healing environment. 

Her civic and community involvements included Chamber of Commerce Red Coat Ambassador; guest speaker, White House/Governor's Conference on Families; founding President, Hot Springs/Diamond Lakes Film & Video Commission; founding committee member, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, now in its 25th year; founding member, Hot Springs Opera Guild; board member, Downtown Merchants Association; Main Street USA Steering Committee to "Adopt a Bath House;" chairman, Greater Hot Springs Remembers; co-chairman, Taste of Hot Springs; H.S. Business & Professional Women; and she spear-headed the "Scenic Gateway" steering committee, which resulted in the state highway department revamping and beautifying the highway interchanges. 

Later in life, Lynn earned a double associate's degree from National Park College and co-founded a summer art program called "Youth Arts," aimed at building confidence and social skills for underprivileged children. Lynn was an active member of two churches during her time in Hot springs, Grace Bible Fellowship Church and Lake Valley Church. 

Lynn is survived by daughter, Lisa, and husband, Mark, of Los Angeles; son, Lance, and wife, Pam, of Hot Springs; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, in the Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs with a Christmas cookie reception after the service. Lynn was interred Monday, Dec. 7, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, Calif.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Arkansas Alzheimer's Association, The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Arkansas Hospice, Guardian Angels Cat Shelter of Hot Springs, Gene Cunningham's Bible Ministries of Hot Springs. 

Sentinel-Record, The (Hot Springs, AR) - Sunday, December 13, 2015.