Arlene Sanderson Smith

Arlene M. Sanderson Smith, age 77, died on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at her home in Litchfield. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Cornerstone Church with Pastor Jeff Garland officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Forest City Cemetery. Arlene Mariann Smith, the daughter of William and Leone (Bach) Kuehl, was born on August 25, 1931, in Meeker County, (rural Darwin) Minnesota. She grew up near Forest City and received her education through the 10th grade in Litchfield. Arlene was courted by her true love, Vernon "Sandy" Sanderson, for nearly three years before he proposed They married on September 2, 1950, at St. Matthews United Church of Christ in Forest City and were blessed with three daughters. Arlene worked as a nurse’s aid at the hospital in Litchfield for years and enjoyed caring for others. In 1973, she and Sandy moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they worked together managing apartment complexes and enjoying life in the southwest. Sandy died in 1980. Arlene was united in marriage to Bob Smith on June 7, 1993. They made their home in Litchfield and worked together remodeling mobile homes for Economy Homes (now LifeStyle Homes). Arlene and Bob spent winters in Phoenix. In 2000, she moved to Minnesota to be closer to her sister and two daughters. Arlene cherished her family and was especially fond of her grandchildren. Over the years Arlene wrote several short stories about her children and these stories have been enjoyed by many for years. Memories of Arlene decorating for Christmas will be cherished by her family as it was her favorite holiday. Happy, stubborn, and fiercely independent best describes our mom, grandmother, great grandmother sister and friend. Arlene is survived by three daughters: Ailein (Eddie) Munoz of Litchfield; Sharleen (Richard) Ficker of Litchfield; Marlene (Larry) Dickson of Buckeye, Arizona; 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and one sister Lorri (Ray) Watkins of Litchfield. Arlene is preceded in death by her husband Vernon "Sandy" Sanderson and her parents.