ErMest Dae Cochran

ErMest “Pug” Cochran passed away peacefully July 20th, 2026 in her sleep. She was born April 15th, 1930, in Flatwoods, West Virginia, the youngest of four children. She married Harry Burton Cochran June 25th, 1949, a union that lasted until his death in 2014.

In 1950, the couple moved to Akron in search of work. Pug was employed as a telephone operator for Ohio Bell, retiring in 1992. Her faith in Christ was central in her life, and the couple began attending The Chapel at Brown & Vine. In 1955, they were part of “The March” from The Chapel at Brown & Vine to the church’s new location, The Chapel on Fir Hill, where they both remained very active as volunteers throughout their lives. For several years, Pug taught Sunday School in “The Big Room.” Later in life, she worked at the monthly staff luncheons and manned the Information Desk.

She never met a stranger and was always the life of the party. Pug’s New Year’s Eve celebration held in their basement was a time-honored tradition for many years with The Gang – their friends’ group. In addition to her husband, Pug was preceded in death by mother, Susie Gray Gillespie; and siblings, William Earl Gillespie and Eula Mae Miles. She is survived by her daughters, Linda (William) Myers of Parker, Colorado and Sharon (John) Troike of Bath, Ohio; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Regina Chalfant of Akron; and beloved nephew, Guy (Adrienne) Gillespie of Lititz, Pennsylvania.

The family would like to thank Angela and Paul of Rockynol Assisted Living, and Ashley and Rachel of Miracle City Hospice for their excellent care of and kindness to Pug.

A funeral service will be held 11 A.M. SATURDAY August 1st at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pug’s memory may be made to Haven of Rest, ACCESS Inc., or AMVETS.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)