Arlene married Rodney Wayne Walter, also from Iron Mountain, Michigan, on July 25, 1953. Rodney, known as Rod, served in the U.S. Air Force, and his military career took him and Arlene, along with their growing family, to various locations including Florida, Tripoli, Denver, Germany, Montana, Illinois and finally California. After Rod retired, they settled in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where they enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends from all over.
While living in Colorado, Arlene pursued her passion for interior design and graduated with a degree in the field. Her joy for cooking was another passion she cherished and passed down to all of her children. She enjoyed crafts of all kinds and loved to try new things. She was a incredible sewer and quilter and made beautiful clothes and home items.
Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Rod. She is survived by her children: Deborah L. Walter Laws (Gibson) of Spearfish, South Dakota; Cynthia Lee Chapin (Larry Giboney) of Glendale, Arizona; Rodney W. Walter, II (Judy) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Lisa Marie Walter-Roe (Daryl) of Clovis, California. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Tomasi (Char) of Glendale, Arizona; her 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary, located at 200 W. Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will take place, also at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Arlene will be laid to rest next to her husband at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, located at 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, at a later date.
Arlene will be remembered for her dedication to her family. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
