Arlene Smalley

On March 3, 2016, our Mom, Arlene Smalley, passed away at the age of 92, just 3 days after her 23rd Leap Year birthday. She was the daughter of George and Alice Telgenhof and spent her early childhood near Shady Nook in Central Lake, MI. In later years, she loved to drive by Shady Nook and reminisce about growing up there, playing in the orchard and a particular story about riding a cow to the barn. She lost both of her parents at a young age and was then raised by her aunt, Rena VanderArk Shooks, who we thought of as Grandma.

In 1944 she married our Dad, Robert Smalley. Together they owned and operated Smalley's grocery store in Ellsworth. After selling the store, Mom worked at Ellsworth Community School where she held different positions, including librarian.

After retiring. Mom and Dad enjoyed many summers camping at Pancake Bay Provincial Park in Canada. Mom enjoyed walking the beach searching for beach glass and sitting at the camp site reading and doing acrostic crossword puzzles.

Soon after Dad's death in 2004, Mom moved to Levering to live with Janelle. She loved the country side, Jan's horses, donkeys and dogs. She also loved looking out the patio doors and seeing wildlife in the backyard, including deer and bald eagles.The backyard was also a great place to find morel mushrooms. And how could we forget the singing? Gatherings with friends and family, singing around the piano, or maybe just singing those old hymns and songs all by herself. We especially remember "Three Little Fishes" and "The Good Ship Lollipop".

After 10 years in Jan's care, Mom passed away peacefully with Jan by her side. We will miss her sense of humor, quick wit, and yes even the singing.

She is survived by us, her daughters, Lynda Organek, Susanne Gardner, Janelle Smalley and Mary Talcott, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held in the spring