Arlene Hurtig Rubel

Arlene Hurtig Rubel died in the Methodist Alliance Hospice in Memphis on December 6th after a long illness. She was born January 15, 1937, in Greenville, MS, and grew up in the neighboring town of Leland, MS. She graduated Leland High School in 1955. While in school she played flute and was a majorette in the high school band. She attended Newcomb College (women’s division of Tulane University) for one year, followed by a year in a secretarial school in Memphis. She then took a job in Washington, DC, as a secretary for Congressman John C. Watts of Kentucky and held that job 10 years before retiring.

In 1979, Arlene met her future husband Milton Rubel, and in 1980 they were married. The Rubel’s settled in Blytheville AR, where Milton worked as manager of the Sears Roebuck store. Arlene moved to Collierville, TN, after her beloved husband died in 2003, so that she could be close to her step-daughter Leigh Ann Ryan. She was a devoted grandmother to Leigh Ann and Michael Ryan’s sons Zachary and Jacob. She was always available to pick them up from school, and she faithfully attended all of their school functions, especially swim meets and baseball games. The boys loved that Arlene regularly took them to The Country’s Best Yogurt for afternoon treats.

Arlene and Milton travelled frequently within the US and in Europe. Their interest in other countries led them to host two foreign exchange students. One of them, Karsten Myhre from Norway, lived with the Rubels for a year in Blytheville and attended high school there. Karsten went on to graduate from medical school and is now a vascular surgeon in Oslo. Arlene and Milton considered Karsten their adopted son, and stayed close with him over the years. After Milton died, Arlene attended Karsten’s wedding in 2004.

Arlene enjoyed reading the Commercial Appeal, watching television, attending regular Jazzercise classes and eating late night ice cream. She liked socializing with friends until she became too disabled from illness. She was a long-standing member of Temple Israel. Arlene had a remarkable memory for other peoples’ birthdays and anniversaries. She never failed to send greeting cards and gifts to members of her family and to close friends on these occasions. She is survived by her brother Howard Hurtig of Philadelphia, PA, her sister Bonnie Sue Hurtig of Bellingham WA, the Ryans of Memphis and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Arlene Rubel will begin accepting friends on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 beginning at 1:00 PM at Temple Israel Cemetery Chapel, 1708 Hernando Rd, Memphis, TN 38106. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM with a graveside to follow.

Donations may be made to a charitable organization of the donor’s choice.