Arlene Peightal passed away on July 28, 2021 at the age of 89. Her husband Clifton, the love of her life, preceded her in death in 2018. They were married for 65 years.

Arlene and Cliff have four children: Lisa, David, Karen, and Stephen, plus their son-in-law Hugo. Also surviving are three grandchildren and one great grandson, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Arlene was born in Eugene, Oregon on October 12, 1931 to Russell and Helen Hendricks and she grew up with her older sister Donna. Arlene went to Northwest Christian College in Eugene where she met Cliff. They were married in 1952 and soon moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where they both attended and graduated from Butler University (now Christian Theological Seminary). Arlene was ordained a minister at the Eugene First Christian Church in 1956. Arlene and Cliff both trained to be missionaries and were sent to work with the people of the Yakama Indian Nation from 1956 to 1964, one of the great honors of her life.

In addition to being a mom and minister's wife, Arlene served as an Associate Minister of Springfield (Oregon) First Christian Church. She also was a social worker for different organizations helping parents find day care for their young children, placing children for adoption in loving families, and working with the blind.

Arlene enjoyed making new friends and staying in touch with her old friends. She participated in church groups throughout her life as the friendships and fellowship always sustained her. In addition to the church, the family of friends she made with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) was very special to her. Arlene was always looking for ways to improve the lives for all the people that she loved.

Of all the things she accomplished in her life, her highest priority was being a great mom to her kids. She loved her children through thick and thin and was always on the lookout for them.

She was the cornerstone of a loving family and provided guidance to each of her kids with love and wisdom as well as a firm but loving touch.

Arlene was active throughout her life and never seemed to stop. She enjoyed reading, using the computer, crafting and sewing. She was relentless in her pursuit to learn how to better people's physical, mental, and spiritual health. Fortunately, she would find time to pause and sit in her garden to take in the beauty of God's creations. Birds were a joy to her, and they always made her feel close to Cliff. Discovering feathers in her yard was always a thrill!

Arlene loved her family, friends and the Lord and she gave of herself to all that knew her.

A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 4 at 3:00 p.m. at the Stanwood United Methodist Church (27128 102nd Drive NW, Stanwood, WA). All family and friends are invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Skagit County, or to Stanwood United Methodist Church.