Mary Arlene Stiles was born May 31, 1927 in Arkansas, the first child of Joe Johnston Stiles and Ida Estelle Badgett. The Stiles family moved to Briscoe, Texas where her sister Louise was born. They later moved to Omak, Washington and lived there for a time until they moved to Modesto. After High School, Arlene worked as the Boy Scout office secretary in Modesto.
Arlene was active in sports playing basketball, slow pitch softball and water skiing. She met a crazy young man, Loneua Waterson, at the roller skating rink. Arlene and Lon married on April 16, 1949 and had two sons, Keith and Arlon. Arlene worked for over 35 years as bookkeeper for Farmers Lumber which later became Hilmar Lumber, the family business. She and Lon traveled extensively in their motor home from Alaska to Panama. She lived in Hilmar on Second Street much of her married life.
Arlene was a dedicated mother, homemaker, den mother and Scoutmaster's wife. She loved her grand children: Kelly, Weston, James, Haley and Alex. Arlene attended many dance recitals, soccer games and sports events. Even after the grandkids grew up she and Lon were loyal supporters of Hilmar sports.
Arlene was a member of Hilmar Covenant Church, taught Sunday school and loved her church family dearly. Arlene was an active member of Emanuel Hospital Auxiliary and the Soroptimist Club of Turlock. In her later years Arlene was afflicted with Alzheimers. Her family remembers her at her best laughing and smiling and playing cards at the kitchen table.
Arlene is predeceased by her husband, Lon, and her brother, Thurman Stiles of Ripon. She is survived by her brother Bill Stiles of Turlock, younger sister Louise Glenn of Huntington Beach, sons Keith and Arlon Waterson of Hilmar, daughter-in-laws, Chris and Susan, grandsons Weston, James (Laurel) and Alex, and granddaughters Kelly Christie (Mark) and Haley.
Rest in peace Mom. You are with your beloved Lon and Savior Jesus. We can almost see you smiling now with your auburn hair blowing in the wind.
A Graveside Service will be held at North Hilmar Cemetery on Friday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Emanuel, 825 Delbon Ave. Turlock, CA 95382.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com
Allen Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Turlock Journal
Wednesday, October 5, 2011