"Was my life worth five chickens?" was the working title of Arlene's self-titled theoretical autobiography that she always said she should write. And while I may be off a chicken or two, the title references her humble beginnings in Hanover, KS in 1927 - a time when the doctor made house calls and the bill could be paid with whatever items of value the family may own. In the case of a farmer, chickens. Arlene was the youngest of five living children, (two babies died in their infancy). Her humble beginnings, a Depression, and a World War fashioned Arlene into a fighter!

As a girl, she fought to stay in school at a time when her family believed a girl needed no more education than 8th grade. She graduated high school with a love for numbers and so, she attended a secretary's school with several of her girl friends. There she learned shorthand and basic bookkeeping.

She married BJ "Bud" Roberts and together they built a life, a home, and a thriving air conditioning and refrigeration business servicing residential and commercial clients until Bud's death in 1990.

Throughout her life, Arlene found immense joy in the colorful flowers of her garden, shopping for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, time spent with her family, and dining out at local establishments and breakfast diners. The golden rule for choosing a restaurant: they must serve coffee at all times of day! And she fervently believed there was always time to stop what you were doing for lunch!

On the morning of August 27th, Arlene accepted God's invitation for a cup of coffee.

Arlene is survived by a daughter, Catherine Ann Simon and her husband, Joe Simon. Arlene is also survived by her grandchildren Renee Griffin and Lori May and their families: Matt Griffin, Mia Griffin, Xander Griffin, and Douglas May, Trenton May, Trace May, Sean May, and Zoe May.

A rosary will be held at 7pm Monday, Sept. 1 in the chapel at Fitzgerald's Funeral home on 91st St. Funeral services and mass will be held at St. Mary's Church at 1pm on Tuesday, Sept. 2.


In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to a charity of your choice.