Arlene Carter

Date of Birth

Sep 24,1924

Date of Death

Aug 08,2008

Arlene CarterAge 83 of Sycamore, IL passed away Friday afternoon, August 8, 2008 at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, DeKalb, IL. Released from a battle she could not win, she claims now by faith, the Victory she could not lose. In the Joy of Heaven, she joins her beloved husband, John, and a family of others who welcome her home.BORN / EARLY YEARSShe was born September 24, 1924 in Pinconning, MI, the daughter of Murle and Lillian Mae (Licquia) Cross. Arlene grew up in Flint, MI where she graduated from Dye High School. Her growing years added a loving step father, Alexander Crang, and four siblings born to Alexander and Lillian Mae: sister Margaret, brothers Bob, Jim and Ron. MARRIAGE & FAMILY November 20, 1943 she was united in marriage to John Paul Carter. They moved to San Diego, CA, where John was stationed in the Navy until the end of WWII, and where Cathy, their first child, was born. Living in Flint, MI post war and following the births of their first two children, Cathy and now Gary, they moved to Saginaw, MI where their third child, John Gregory was born. Arlene and John operated a Kirby distributorship there until 1961 when they moved to St. Charles, IL. Arlene landed a job with the Chicago Title and Trust Company, Geneva, on sheer determination. On paper, she had only a high school diploma but in her head she possessed all she needed and the rest she would learn. Her positive attitude and determination won her a shot at head bookkeeper for the renowned institution and she made real that declaration. Over the years she enjoyed the friendship of many professional peers and was active with them in the Kane County Legal Secretaries Association.Through the years that followed John and Arlene made their home throughout Kane and DeKalb Counties until Arlene’s retirement when they settled in Sycamore. They loved each other and they loved their children, each in their own ways. Following John’s death in 1997, Arlene continued to make her home in Sycamore.LIFE NOTES :A conscientious homemaker, Arlene excelled at creative home decor, and was especially fond of warm red hues. She transformed many a less than average house into a pleasant atmosphere for her family. She taught her children how to make the most out of what they had in the lean years after their move from Michigan to Illinois. She saw to their needs for social opportunities. When there were challenges or problems she encouraged looking for another approach…there was always something that could be done. In later years she was also a collector of dolls. From Cabbage Patch to Barbies to classic porcelain dolls, her home was as full of dolls as her heart was full of love for children. In those later years she encouraged special needs children as an individual assistant in school settings. Then as a crossing guard, she faithfully shepherded little ones to and from school, rain or shine! In their Michigan years Arlene and John also raised Chihuahuas. And later, in Illinois, together enjoyed raising Collies. Any dog Arlene raised had a sweet nature. She loved Collies as much as John loved raising his horses. Arlene’s other favorite things shared common qualities. She loved the animation she witnessed in the movements of angel wings at Christmas and the life in nature in birds and in butterflies through her seasons. Along with these delights was an appreciation of music boxes. Arlene loved to dance. Most of all ~ Arlene loved and appreciated each person in her family, immediate and extended, and her friends were very dear to her. SURVIVORSShe is survived by three children: Cathy (fiancee John Mohnkern) Lilly of Watauga, TX Gary (Karen) Carter of Elburn, IL J. Gregory Carter of Rochelle, ILOne grandson: (Cathy’s) Matthew LillyOne great grandson: (Matthew’s) Kieran LillyFour siblings: Two sisters, Margaret (Gerald) Wisniewski of Swartz Creek, MI and Evelyn (Cross) McLean of Mount Morris, MI Two brothers, Bob (Kathy) Crang of Florida and Ronald (Mary Jane) Crang of Montrose, MIBrothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Louise (Dwight) Horton of Seattle, WA Pearline (Kenneth) Bellant of Flushing, MI Wesley (Judy) Carter of Flint, MI Edditha Rogers of Spring Arbor, MI Many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.An aunt: Elenore Spencer of Flushing MI& Two dear girl-friends: Edith Ross of Elgin, IL and Gladys Meyers of Longmont, COPRECEDEDShe is preceded in death by her parents, one infant daughter Karin, her husband John, one brother, James Crang and one brother-in-law, Jake Carter.VISITATION / FUNERALVisitation with be held Friday, August 29, 2008 from 6-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Her funeral service will follow Saturday afternoon, August 30 at 1:30pm at the First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL. A brief visitation will precede the service from 12:30pm until 1:15pm at the church. The Reverend Laura Crites will officiate and interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, DeKalb.MEMORIALA memorial has been established in Arlene’s name. Memorial checks may be made to the Arlene Carter Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories are also welcome and will be forwarded to the family at the same address or through her obituary at www.conleycare.com . For information call 630-365-6414 or 800-8-CONLEY.

VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held Friday, August 29, 2008 from 6-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Her funeral service will follow Saturday afternoon, August 30 at 1:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL. A brief visitation will precede the service from 12:30-1:15 pm at the church. The Rev. Laura Crites will officiate. MEMORIALA memorial has been established in Arlene’s name. Memorial checks may be made to the Arlene Carter Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories are also welcome and will be forwarded to the family at the same address or through her obituary at www.conleycare.com .

Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, DeKalb.

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