In Memory Of
Arlene May Gravenstein
1934
2015
Arlene May Gravenstein
August 18, 1934 — December 18, 2015
Arlene May Gravenstein, age 81, of Topeka, Kansas, died Friday, December 18, 2015 at Aldersgate Village.
She was born August 18, 1934 on a farm east of Leonardville, Kansas, the daughter of Otto and Ethel (Johnson) Heller. She was one of three children. She married Gerald Lorraine Gravenstein (deceased) on April 13, 1957.
Arlene spent her early years in the Leonardville and Riley communities moving to Manhattan, Kansas in 1965 and then to Topeka, Kansas, in 1998. She attended Riley Grade School and graduated from Riley Rural High School in 1952.
Following graduation Arlene was employed by Charlson and Wilson Abstracting and Insurance of Manhattan, Kansas, as an abstractor until 1957 at which time she retired for health reasons when diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis.
She became a member of the Fairview Presbyterian Church in her childhood and was a faithful member until her health prevented her from attending. Arlene enjoyed spending time reading her Bible and watching televised church services which were a comfort to her.
Arlene was a devoted wife and mother creating a strong and loving family unit. Throughout her life, she always kept a cheerful attitude. Her faith in God gave her the strength and courage to face the many trials in her life with peace and comfort.
Her husband Gerald preceded Arlene in death on December 11, 2015; her twin sister, Darlene Fay (Heller) Maginness in 1993; and her parents.
She leaves to cherish her memory one son, John Gravenstein and his wife Jamie of Topeka, Kansas; two daughters, Susan MacArthur and her husband Ross of Plano, Texas, and Janet Kernan and her husband Jim of Derby, Kansas; one brother, LaVern Heller of Oberlin, Kansas; two granddaughters Arlene (MacArthur) Ellwood and Katherine MacArthur; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family and is in charge of cremation arrangements. Graveside inurnment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Fairview Cemetery, Riley, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Presbyterian Church Treasurer, 10140 Fairview Church Rd., Riley, KS 66531.
To share a special memory of Arlene or to leave a message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born August 18, 1934 on a farm east of Leonardville, Kansas, the daughter of Otto and Ethel (Johnson) Heller. She was one of three children. She married Gerald Lorraine Gravenstein (deceased) on April 13, 1957.
Arlene spent her early years in the Leonardville and Riley communities moving to Manhattan, Kansas in 1965 and then to Topeka, Kansas, in 1998. She attended Riley Grade School and graduated from Riley Rural High School in 1952.
Following graduation Arlene was employed by Charlson and Wilson Abstracting and Insurance of Manhattan, Kansas, as an abstractor until 1957 at which time she retired for health reasons when diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis.
She became a member of the Fairview Presbyterian Church in her childhood and was a faithful member until her health prevented her from attending. Arlene enjoyed spending time reading her Bible and watching televised church services which were a comfort to her.
Arlene was a devoted wife and mother creating a strong and loving family unit. Throughout her life, she always kept a cheerful attitude. Her faith in God gave her the strength and courage to face the many trials in her life with peace and comfort.
Her husband Gerald preceded Arlene in death on December 11, 2015; her twin sister, Darlene Fay (Heller) Maginness in 1993; and her parents.
She leaves to cherish her memory one son, John Gravenstein and his wife Jamie of Topeka, Kansas; two daughters, Susan MacArthur and her husband Ross of Plano, Texas, and Janet Kernan and her husband Jim of Derby, Kansas; one brother, LaVern Heller of Oberlin, Kansas; two granddaughters Arlene (MacArthur) Ellwood and Katherine MacArthur; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family and is in charge of cremation arrangements. Graveside inurnment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Fairview Cemetery, Riley, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Presbyterian Church Treasurer, 10140 Fairview Church Rd., Riley, KS 66531.
To share a special memory of Arlene or to leave a message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arlene May Gravenstein, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Guestbook
Visits: 2
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors