Arlene Taylor Ferrell

OCT. 13, 1923 - JAN. 19, 2012

A former World War II U.S. Army Air Corps Corporal, loving wife, mother, grandmother, Nana, best friend, travel partner and consummate Lady, Arlene Taylor Ferrell slipped the surly bonds of Earth like the great Republican she was on Jan. 19, 2012. Known as "The Big A" -- a tribute to the many bold and transcendent faces she wore in her many inspiring incarnations.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd C. Ferrell and eldest sons, Robert Allan and William Homer Ferrell.

She is survived by five children; Leslye Joan Baumann, James Taylor Ferrell, Tere Arlene Ferrell, Lynne Ellen Rivas and Jan Marie Lopez. She also is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis Ray, Deborah Ann, Vicki Elizabeth, Charles Phillip and John Philip; and 12 grandchildren, Jennifer (and Orlando) Sepulveda, Megan (and Don) Anspach, Doug Rihn, Chris (and Leslie) Ferrell, Sean Ferrell, Melissa (and Jorge) Guerra, Kate Ferrell, Jacob Lopez, BG Lopez, Erin Rivas, Leah Lopez and Dylan Rivas. She also is survived by six great-grandchildren and her loving canine friend and dinner partner, Cricket.

Hers was a life that ultimately proved to be a testament to and reflection of The Greatest Generation that she eloquently represented with grit, fortitude and undying honesty. Arlene served her country, family and Lord with equal aplomb and commitment, while living a life that never wavered in its grace and sincerity.

Among her tangible honors were recognition as an Honored Woman of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas and recognition on the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. Her unspoken honors, however, represent the depth of her contributions to life and family. Those attributes forever will be present in the faces and deeds of her children, grandchildren and descendents for eternity.

But the truest, most profound celebration of what Arlene Ferrell represented forever will be reborn in: The way Leslye Baumann reflects unflinching strength as a businesswoman and caring public servant; the way James Taylor balances leadership with spicing his life like his recipes; how Tere Arlene shares her beliefs -- political and otherwise -- with unflinching candor; how Lynne Ellen can make a family trip to the coast seem easy, and how Jan Marie enjoys a trip to the grocery store like a weekend at Disneyland. It is what Arlene Taylor Ferrell was -- a complete lady, mother and friend. The celebration also forever will be reflected in how children are raised with balance; a granddaughter makes a pie crust just the right way; how a great-granddaughter sets the holiday table just the right way, and how anyone who came across Arlene's soft touch will feel it for eternity.

From standing in line for Depression soup, to fetching a couple-ten crackers for the man she loved, Arlene Ferrell was unshaken and graceful. From changing cloth diapers and providing for children, to Saturday nights with two-stepping friends; to kicking butt at Scrabble and crossword puzzles, to listening to Leon Redbone and Rod Stewart, anyone Arlene Taylor Ferrell came across forever understood how a life should be lived. That is: As much like hers as possible.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Porter Loring on McCullough.

SERVICE

MONDAY

JANUARY 23, 2012

10:30 A.M.

ST. GEORGE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

6904 WEST AVENUE

Internment follows at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Willmann Trust for Pastoral Care, c/o St. George Episcopal Church.