Arlene D. Milhans' Obituary
Arlene Deering Milhans, went to be in the loving arms of her Savior on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 in Tacoma, Washington. She was born in Zachow, Wisconsin on April 27, 1927. She grew up on a farm and was the 5th of 10 children in the family. As a child she loved to act and sing and often performed with her sisters for friends and relatives. During her youth, tragedy struck the family on several occasions. She lost her brother, John when a vehicle struck the family car while they were driving to a picnic. Soon after, she lost her sister Iris. Her mother died in 1941 when she was just a teenager. Having accepted Christ as her Savior during her youth, she found comfort and strength to endure these tragedies. After her mother’s death she helped raise her younger siblings and worked as a personal assistant to prominent individuals in Milwaukee, WI.
In 1945, Arlene met Charles Milhans when he was visiting his family in WI. It was love at first sight and they married on January 14, 1946 in Seattle, WA. They spent their first years together working at the Ross Dam construction project in the Northern Cascades National Park. They purchased a home in Fircrest, WA and began raising a family there. They also started up a small business in the roofing trade, Milhans Roofing. Later they moved to University Place as their family expanded to 5 children. They were married for over 50 years when her husband passed away in 1996.
Due to Arlene’s love for her country, she continued to be involved in politics. She was often seen working on a campaign, sign waiving or working in the Republican headquarters. Her grandchildren were her greatest treasure and she enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them. Her favorites were going to the spa once a month for a facial and manicure and enjoying a vanilla latte. She was a member of Life Center Assembly of God church.
A failed hip replacement in 2005 caused a permanent disability and she lived her final years at Manor Care Assisted Living Facility. Through it all she never allowed any situation to rule her life. Her strong faith in God got her through each trial and she looked for the best in life no matter what her circumstance appeared to be.
Arlene is survived by her 4 children; Charles “Alan”, John, Jane, Judy and their families; Her sister Beverly Balaban and brother Leonard Deering; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and relatives. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles Milhans and son Jack, parents John Deering and Alice Rockwell Deering, her siblings Ralph, Dorothy, John, Luella, Iris, Paul and Bill.
The family would like to thank the staff at Manor Care for her care during her final days.
Services for Arlene will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2016 in the Garden Chapel with Interment and a reception to follow at Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
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