Arlene Mae Smathers June 7, 1947 – May 5, 2020

Arlene Mae Anderson was born on June 7, 1947, in Fargo, ND. She passed peacefully with her children by her side on May 5, 2020. As a child, her family followed the airline boom to Seattle and settled in SeaTac, where her father Magnus worked for Boeing. Her mom, Burdelle, stayed at home with six children, later working many years as a waitress at the Pancake Chef in Burien. Arlene was the second to youngest child of six children, all of whom preceded her in death. She attended Tyee High School in Seatac. Arlene married Dan Smathers in Randle, Washington in 1967. Dan and Arlene have three children: Beth (Mike) Jessee, Missy (Jeff) Kisner, and Jason (Lanette) Smathers. She has seven wonderful grandchildren: Michael (Randi) Glidden, Jeff (Jordan) Kisner, Autumn Kisner, Ashlynne (Paul) Glassman, Brandon Jessee, and Carver Smathers. She also has six great-grandchildren, the youngest born just days before her passing. Our mom loved her family, we were everything to her. Mom and Dad divorced when the kids were young and mom’s number one priorities was making sure us kids were always taken care of, no matter what the circumstances. She taught is to be strong, resilient, and optimistic. She always said “God won’t give us anything we can’t handle”. Arlene was a Nurse Assistant for her adult career. She worked in many hospitals and nursing homes in Seattle, Montana, North Caroline, Morton, and Orting. The longest stretch of her career was served at the Washington State Soldiers home in Orting, Washington. She loved working there, caring for the residence and adored her co-workers. She cared for many friends and family members outside of work as well, often sitting with them in their final hours. Mom had a heart of gold and a compassion for people like none other. Though divorced for many years, Arlene eventually met Lloyd Gentry and they became long-time partners. They resided in Orting at the time of her death. We are forever grateful to Lloyd for being our mom’s companion and loving her unconditionally. Lloyd was a God send for our mom and for us. Our mom was the toughest person we know. Her life was never easy, but she always worked hard to make the best of it. Above all else, she made sure her kids and grandchildren were well taken care of. When she was diagnosed with cancer almost three years ago, she was determined to live, never once asking how much time she had. She battled and fought at every turn and challenge. Even in her final days, she would say “I’m doing good”. Our family would like to thank her extensive team of doctors, nurses, and medical professionals for amazing care and compassion for our mom. She truly had the best medical team there is and we are eternally grateful. At our mom’s request, there will not be a formal memorial service. We plan to host a barbecue later in the summer or fall when the COVID-19 situation is better and it’s safe to hold a gathering. Our mom was a “no fuss” type of gal and wouldn’t want anything formal or a bunch of people sitting around crying. At her request, we will spread her ashes in several places that she loved to visit. Rest in eternal peace, mom. We love you and will miss you forever. You are now pain free without any struggles or worries. Rejoice with Jesus and all of your family and friends who are in Heaven.