Arlene Faye O'Brien

"Don't be sad for me. I have lived a good life and was able to do everything I wished for," she said in her final days.

Arlene was born in Georgetown, Massachusetts on August 20, 1937, to Arthur W. Steeves and Margaret L. Steeves (Anderson).

She was the youngest of three girls. She was preceded in death by Robert H. Hunt Sr., Richard R. O'Brien, Lee A. Arnold (Hunt),

Mae Maynard (Steeves), and Ivy Ricker (Steeves).

Her surviving children are Robert H. Hunt Jr., Donna M. Ingman (Hunt}, William J. Hunt, Ronald A. Hunt, Pamela O'Brien (stepchild}, and Kevin O'Brien (stepchild). She had 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Arlene grew up in Georgetown. She was on the women's softball team in high school. She always talked about fond memories of those times in Georgetown.

She worked as the office manager of the Hotsy Equipment Company in Georgetown. This is where she met the Love of Her Life, Richard (Dick) O'Brien. Dick was a regional manager for Hotsy and lived in Denver, Colorado. They fell in love and her life would never be the same. She moved to Colorful Colorado with Dick. And then from the city life of Denver to the awesome life of Sedalia. Endless road trips on their matching Aspencade Gold Wing motorcycles. Yes, Arlene could ride!

Horse and buggy adventures with the grandkids. Clydesdales and Missouri Fox Trotters kept her busy. Life was good for Arlene.

After being widowed in 1992, Arlene was lost. She wanted to be in business. Her daughter Donna saw a cafe for sale and wanted to own it. Arlene with her office skills and Donna with restaurant skills teamed up and opened O'Briens Cafe in Sedalia. She started on the bookkeeping and learned all aspects of the restaurant business. This is where she flourished! She became the cornerstone of her community here in Sedalia. Arlene brought a smile to everyone she came in contact with. Her Legacy of love, kindness, and bringing people together will be greatly missed.

In 2024, Arlene was sworn in as an Honorary Sheriff's Deputy and given a badge as thanks for all she has done in support of the sheriff's office. Her Legacy of helping community and family will Live On in the people around her.

Arlene's funeral service was held when she was still alive. A surprise birthday party allowed her to meet and talk with friends and relatives, knowing the end of life's journey would be this year. It was a celebration of Life for Arlene. She wanted Brian Smith (Lookin Back Band) to sing at her funeral, just as he had done for Dick's funeral. Arlene got to hear her song that Dick had always played for her. Welcome to my world.

Arlene will be entombed at Crown Hill Cemetery in the Tower of Memories. No public service.

Please remember Arlene as the wonderful person she was and is. She will be missed!!!