Obituary of Arlene Lorraine Smith

On December 9, 2012 after a brief illness, Arlene began a new journey by passing peacefully at home in the care of her three sons. Arlene was born in Champion, Wisconsin growing up on the family dairy working side by side with her parents and four siblings. Arlene worked for several years in the cheese industry as a quality control lab technician during which time she met her husband Wallace (Wally) Smith. After a whirlwind courtship they married in 1944 and came to California as part of the war effort where they worked together in Bay area naval shipyards. After the war, they returned to Wisconsin for a brief period before returning to California. Arlene and Wally settled into the family home in Soquel in 1947, where Arlene remained until her passing. Arlene was passionate about gardening and carried on the family tradition of growing food and flowers for her family and friends. Arlene took great pride in providing flowers for her neighbors and for the sanctuary at Twin Lakes Church in the 1950's. Arlene returned to work in the late 1950's, working first for West Foods then Wrigley's retiring in 1988. Arlene valued her faith, family, friends, hard work, honesty and was a good-natured person. She lived her life as she taught her sons, do unto others what you want done to you. Arlene is preceded in death by her husband Wallace; brother Russell Renier, sister Esther Drews and sister Betty Willard most recently on December 6, 2012. Renie Frisque, the last surviving sibling, lives in Red Banks, Wisconsin. Arlene is survived by her three sons, Gary, Ricky, Dennis and daughter-in-law Ramona, grandchildren Lucas Brooks, Sonn and Hillary Dixon, great-grand children Wyatt and Hazel Dixon and several nieces and nephews in both California and Wisconsin. Chapel services will be Friday December 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Oakwood Memorial Chapel 3301 Paul Sweet Road Santa Cruz CA, graveside committal to follow. If you would like to offer condolences to Arlene's family, share your memories and light a candle in her memory please visit www.scmemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz or your favorite charity.