Arlene Lillian Phelps
May 15, 1926 – September 6, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Arlene Lillian Phelps, on September 6, 2017. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers at McKinney Place during the last days of her life.
Arlene will always and forever be remembered by her three children: Roger, Marilyn (Patrick) and Bill, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her many friends and acquaintances.
Arlene is predeceased by her husband Merlin, brothers Arnold, LeRoy and Lenny; sisters Irene, Amy and Mary and parents William and Anna Elizabeth Laine.
Arlene was born on May 15, 1926 and raised in Frederick, South Dakota graduating high school in 1944 as class valedictorian moving with her family to Seattle shortly after graduating. Arlene’s love of dancing introduced her to Merlin, at the Avalon Ballroom in Seattle and in 1952 they married and moved to Oliver where they began raising their family. In 1955, they moved back to Seattle and the family resettled to Oliver in 1962. After many years on the orchards, Arlene and Merlin moved to Greenwood, where Arlene very successfully operated the Sears catalogue outlet. While in Greenwood, Arlene was very active in the St. Columba United Church serving on the church board for many years. After moving back to Oliver, she continued her involvement with the Oliver United Church, where her Cinnamon rolls were always a big hit at the church bake sales, and the Okanagan Historical Society.
A memorial service will be held at the Oliver United Church on Sunday October 1st, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Arlene to the Oliver United Church. We are grateful to the staff at McKinney Place for the friendly and compassionate care they showed Arlene. Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com