Arlene N. Wall, age 82 of Helena passed peacefully surrounded by her family in her home in Helena Friday, January 28, 2011. Arlene was born in Geraldine, Montana October 19, 1928 the middle child of three to Jeptha and Valerie Neill. She loved her hometown of Geraldine. Her parents were farmers and in the late 1930’s the family moved to Great Falls where Jeptha was employed by the Great Falls School System. Arlene attended St. Mary’s High School and during that time converted to Catholicism.
Shortly following her high school her first employment was at the Veterans Medical Center at Ft. Harrison, Montana. She later moved on to the Montana State Apprentice Council.
In late 1947 Arlene went out on a blind date with a guy named John. John Wall and Arlene married June 1, 1949. Three children were born to their marriage; Michael A., Patrick A. and Pamela.
Arlene was very active in St. Helena Grade School, Cathedral High School activities, I.E. Library, Band and Cub Scouts Leader. She was very active in the Cathedral of St. Helena Parish, especially Bazaar’s. Later on Arlene became very active with the Home of the Good Shepherd Nun’s, which she had been president of their council.
Arlene worked for many years on the St. John’s Hospital Ball and being co-chair of it. She worked for many years on the “Survivor’s Desk” of the Race for the Cure. She worked one session of the Legislature and was secretary to the Secretary of the Senate, Allen Donahue. Arlene also worked a few years for Saga Foods at Carroll College as a bookkeeper.
Arlene has been a member of all three Catholic Churches in Helena, Cathedral of St. Helena, St. Mary Catholic Community and Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. After retirement Arlene and John had winter homes in Kehei Maui, HI, Mission, Texas, Venice, Florida and Punta Gorda, Florida.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Jeptha and Valerie Neill; sister, Nettie and brother, Max.
Arlene is survived by her husband, John of Helena; son, Michael and his wife Marcia of Canyon Creek; son, Patrick of Helena and daughter, Pamela Wall Miller and her husband Michael of Corona, California; her grandson, Kevin of Marysville and step-grandchildren, Monique (Rein) Bertram of Portland, OR and Cleve Malmstrom of Whitefish; step-great grandchildren, Cole, Kaden and Trey. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A vigil service will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 2 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 3 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Memorials in Arlene’s name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s 2475 Broadway Street Helena, MT 59601; Camp Mak-A-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula MT 59806; or Legendary Lodge, P.O. Box 1729 Helena, MT 59624. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Beth Auchterlonie Davis says
John and family,
I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of Arlene. She was a wonderful lady and a wonderful friend to my sister Robin. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Love, Beth
Bette Radley and Family says
We are all saddened with the passing of Arlene.. She and her family were great friends to all the Radley’s
My mother and father were friends for over 60 years. Our families grew up together in Helena and enjoyed each others company.
Arlene had a great sense of humor and a presence in the room that always made things interesting and fun.
She treated us with friendship and love over all these years. We will miss her dearly but will always have a smile on our faces when we think of her.
All our love and thoughts to the Wall family.
Brian J. Lannan says
John, Michael, Marcia, Patrick and Pamela:
We are truly saddened with Arlene’s passing. I have many fond memories while the Wall family lived on Benton Avenue across the alley from us. Of working at Power Townsend and at the ranch on Glass Drive. Of O-Mok-Sees in Sheridan, WY, and Billings, MT.
Arlene could light up the room with her humor and wit.
I’m glad we were able to connect last summer while visiting family and friends in Helena and am so blessed to have John & Arlene as God parents. Thank you so much for enriching my life and the life of the Lannan’s. We will continue to keep the Wall family in our daily prayers.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Brian, Alexis, Lindsey & Lauren Lannan
David Reber says
Michael, I always got a big kick out of your Mom. She had such an interesting way with words and really made any get together fun. Velma, Mike, Debbie and Rebecca all express their deepest sympathies.
Dawn Piazzi (Crawford) says
I worked at ‘PT’ briefly and during that time talked with Arlene a few times. She was always so positive and up beat! I felt like she took an interest in me as an individual. Always liked it when she was in the store. My condolences to your family.
Deziah and Jeremy Gilliam says
Mike and Kevin
We are very sorry to hear of your loss, and we can only hope she is in gods hands and happy in the heavans above watching over her family
Gina Beneventi Tweden says
Dearest Wall Family,
Our heart goes out to each of you and yours with the loss of Arlene. Arlene always made us laugh and smile she was such a fun and giving person. Nothing ever slowed Arlene down even on a not so good day. We knew Arlene for many years and feel so blessed to have been friends with her. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her.
R I P Arlene
Love Always,
The Beneventi Family
Judy Palmquist says
Really got to know Arlene here at Advanced Rehab. Although we wanted her not to have to come in (because she would be in pain), we still looked forward to visiting with her. She would leave us with tears of laughter streaming down our faces. Her wit wascw beyond compare. I’m sure we will hear roars coming from the heavens soon. She gave us an amyrillus bulb for Christmas. I recently took it home to plant. The green is peeping up and will bloom before long – reminding us all of the new and beautiful lives we all will have with our Lord one day. We miss her (can only imagine your pain), but know that she is now at peace, with no more pain. My sympathy and prayers for your healing – Judy
Judy Palmquist says
Really got to know Arlene here at Advanced Rehab. Although we wanted her not to have to come in (because she would be in pain), we still looked forward to visiting with her. She would leave us with tears of laughter streaming down our faces. Her wit was beyond compare. I’m sure we will hear roars coming from the heavens soon. She gave us an amyrillus bulb for Christmas. I recently took it home to plant. The green is peeping up and will bloom before long – reminding us all of the new and beautiful lives we all will have with our Lord one day. We miss her (can only imagine your pain), but know that she is now at peace, with no more pain. My sympathy and prayers for your healing – Judy
Mary Ellen McDonald says
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Wall family. The photo of Arlene is how I remember her, with the big smile and twinlke in her eye. She was so full of life and a passion for helping others. You are all in my prayers.
Peggy and Tom Likens says
Our heartfelt sympathies to the Wall family on the passing of Arlene.
Sheila Chavez says
Thinking of you…I didn’t have the chance to see Arlene too often, but when I did she always had this beautiful smile..