Arlene Volkey Martin

She was born in Barberton, Ohio to Michael and Louise Volkey, the oldest of two daughters. Her early years were spent in New Jersey and Pennsylvania where her father worked in the shipyard as a welder during WWII. After the war they moved to the Akron, Ohio area where Arlene graduated high school and attended Kent State for a Secretarial Science degree. She met her future husband, George, at a sorority dance with Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. In April of 1954 he “pinned” Arlene, and they eloped in August 1955. They then moved to Akron. George re-entered the Army a few years later so they could travel and see the world. Arlene had an adventurous life as an Army wife living in Huntsville AL, two tours in Germany and El Paso Texas. There were trips to Netherlands to see the tulips and cheese making. A big family camping trip to Norway in a VW Van with Arlene’s dad and an 8x10 tent. Christmas in Garmisch Germany with Aunt Carol Martin. Numerous trips to castles and cathedrals in Germany including all the King Ludwig of Bavaria castles. Later she traveled the US in an RV for several years when they retired from the army. Truly an adventurous life.

Arlene was a great Army wife, enduring long separations from George while he served overseas in Korea and Vietnam. She was a devoted patriot and had the utmost respect for the men and women who wore the uniform.

Arlene is survived by four children and three grandchildren and her sister Carole. Eldest Kristine Martin (daughter Samantha), second oldest Cynthia Martin (partner Laura), son George Martin II (wife Pam, sons George III and Justin) and youngest daughter. She was predeceased by her husband George.

Arlene was President of the NCO wives club, active as a Girl Scouts leader while in Germany, President of Lutheran Church Women, Daughters of the King, and attended DAV and VFW meetings with her husband. They thoroughly enjoyed the couples club at church and had wonderful memories surrounding the members. She was active in square dancing and bowling leagues on base. She worked as a secretary, dental assistant, buyer for a retail home improvement center, and as a library assistant. Music was a central theme in her life, and she participated in the church choir for many years. A stack of books could be found on her bedside table and next to her chair in the living room; reading was a lifelong passion. Card games (pinochle), board games, and Chinese checkers were among her favorites and many nights were spent playing games with her family and friends. She was an excellent seamstress and sewed most of her clothes, Easter outfits for her children and various attire for her grandchildren. Later, she embraced quilting and made quilts for her family.

Arlene loved to be out and about so she could watch people, especially the little ones. She always lit up when there was a toddler around, she would smile and laugh and there was that special sparkle in her eyes.

Arlene loved and was loved.

In lieu of flowers for Arlene, please make donations to Quilts of Valor Montgomery Lone Stars in Conroe, TX if you are so inclined at the Donation link below.

Arlene will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with her husband later.