October 13, 1932 – August 31, 2026
Rita Arlene was born on October 13,1932 in Russia, Ohio. Known as Arlene, she was the eldest of Wilbur and Clara McEldowney’s five children. While in school, she had several part-time jobs and was active in the Versailles High School Marching and Concert bands. She attended The Ohio State University and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education in 1954. She minored in Science Education and later completed the coursework to become certified to teach High School Chemistry. Arlene spent her entire teaching career in the Versailles School System and served as the Vocational Department Chair before retiring.
Arlene married Roger Edward Pohl in 1956. While their four children were young, she served as a substitute teacher, returning to full-time teaching when they were all in school. She was active in the Saint Denis Church and frequently held leadership positions supporting community events.
Arlene was a lifelong fan of Versailles Tiger’s football and was devoted to all things concerning the Ohio State University Marching Band and Buckeye football. She was equally passionate about music and played piano, trombone, and violin. Arlene will be fondly remembered for her spirited piano rendition of the Buckeye Battle Cry.
Arlene is survived by her children Steve, Lisa, John (Lisa), and Tom (Sharon); 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; her sister Cecilia Reid; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and extended family members.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Roger and son Kevin; parents Wilbur and Clara McEldowney; parents-in-law Leo and Pauline Pohl; brothers Vernon McEldowney and Edward McEldowney and sister Mary Evelyn Borgert; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Visitation will be held at the Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles, Ohio, on Wednesday, September 9th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, September 10th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Saint Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, Ohio, on Thursday, September 10th at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Ned Brown Celebrant. Burial will follow at Saint Valbert Cemetery, Versailles, Ohio. Afterward a luncheon will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 8440 State Route 47, Versailles, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please send donations made in her memory to Hospice of Dayton or your local hospice chapter. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Pohl family.
