June 9, 1930 – February 11, 2021
Ida “Arlene” Lopez passed away peacefully at home on February 11th surrounded by family, at the age
of 90, shortly after receiving the apostolic blessing and having the Salve Regina sung to her by a dear
priest.
Arlene was born in Arvin, California to Alfred and Marie Mueller, both originally from Switzerland.
Arlene was in the second class to graduate from Garces Memorial High School in 1949. Shortly after
graduation she married Alex Lopez at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Bakersfield. Thus began their
65 year journey together. They had 15 children, 13 living beyond infancy, 45 grandchildren, 67 great
grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
Arlene is preceded in death by her husband, Alex Lopez, her parents, Alfred & Marie Mueller, her
siblings and their spouses, Alfred and Kathy Mueller, Mary and Frank Reed, Alice and Francisco
Contreras, and Johnny and Rose Mueller, all of Bakersfield. She is also preceded in death by Alex’s
siblings and their spouses, Alyce and Ernie Montoya, Virginia and Don Worsley, Henry Lopez, Leo
Lopez, Gloria and Don Wiggins, Irene and Clifford Kirschenman, and brother-in-law Paul Carroll,
grandson, John Justin Fowler and daughter-in-law Joy Bender Lopez.
Arlene is survived by her children and their families, Ida Herrera (Larry), Rose Plummer (Bill), Dan
Lopez, Nancy Bell (Rick), Mary Hander (Paul), Theresa Movius (Jim), Alyce Nelson (Mike), Cecelia
Arnold (Blake), Joe Lopez (Janine), John Lopez (Aimee), David Lopez (Veronica), Patricia Lopez, and
Elizabeth Lopez. She is also survived by Alex’s youngest sister, Theresa Carroll, as well as numerous
nieces and nephews and their families.
Arlene was a friend to all. She lived her Catholic faith and taught her children to work hard, pray the
rosary and to trust in God. Arlene’s main joy was in caring for her children, giving them a home filled
with faith, encouragement and kindness. When the children were grown, she cared for her
grandchildren. She cared for “children” until she was 84 years old, retiring only after her spouse broke
his arm and needed care. Arlene was a fabulous cook and was famous for her tamales at Christmas time
and for making the best frozen strawberry jam in the summer. She always had chickens, a vegetable
garden and an orchard with fruit trees. Arlene was a woman of many talents, she could keep animals in
line, hand embroider dish towels, which she generously donated to the church bazaars when she was
younger, cook an amazing meal in no time and make anyone feel welcomed, loved and accepted.
Though Arlene preferred to stay home, her children and spouse managed to show her the world, with
travel throughout the US and Europe. She was even able to bathe in the waters of Lourdes and to see St.
Bernadette, incorrupt in her glass coffin in Nevers, France. How appropriate that she passed on the Feast
day of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Visitation will be on Sunday March 7th, 2021 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, with recitation of the Rosary at
3:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield CA.
The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, March 8, 2021, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church,
1030 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield CA. Burial will immediately follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family of Arlene wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have been praying for Arlene
and the family. As well as to Dr. Uma Varanasi who was instrumental in her health care at a pivotal point
in her life. Thank you also to Dr. Frank Lu who watched over her like another son, as well as the
“family” at Spencer’s on McNair who brightened her days. Thank you all.
