Arlette Jane Poutous

Arlette Poutous was born on April 15th, 1927 in Bismarck, North Dakota. She grew up on a farm and lived through the Great Depression before she and her family relocated to the warm climate of San Diego when she was 15 years old.

In 1944 during WWII she worked at North Island on Coronado building airplanes. Think Rosie the Riveter!

She met John Poutous in 1946 at the beach near San Diego. They married the next year when she was 20 years old and then she started with the babies. Arlette LOVED babies in her life and managed to have 7 healthy children, followed by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great great grandchildren. In 1963 Arlette and John built a new house in Lakeside to become ranchers/farmers. Arlette did it all - from making cheese from fresh milk to canning fruits and vegetables to packing meat from butchered pork, beef, or venison.

Arlette was always dressed and accessorized to perfection. (Except the time she was late driving kids to school and left the house in her bathrobe and curlers. Of course, that was the one time she ran out of gas…)

One of her most satisfying accomplishments was her work learning and teaching the Indian Language at Barona. This culminated in the work done with the Barona Elders and a linguist to document their language and create the Ii Pay Aa Dictionary.

Arlette loved her family, friends, and her Church. When spending time with Arlette, you always knew she found great joy being with you; and she had a special gift to make you feel important. She always knew the right words to say to bring you comfort and a smile to all. We were all so blessed to have known, loved, and been loved by her.

A visitation for Arlette will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at El Cajon Mortuary and Cremation Service, 684 South Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. A rosary service will occur Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Assumption of hte Blessed Virgin Mary, 1054 Barona Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040. A mass of christian burial will occur Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1054 Barona Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040. A committal service will occur Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Barona Indian Reservation Cemetery, 1054 Barona Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for the Poutous family.