Arlena Painter

July 11, 1927 May 16, 2017 Arlena Painter, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at her home in Anderson, Mo., with her loving companion Joseph Tierno by her side.

She was born on July 11, 1927, in Rockford, Ill. to James Allen and Clarice Katherine (Russell) Painter and was the eldest of six children.

She was raised in McDonald County and graduated from Pineville High School in 1945. After graduation she moved to Rockford and then Simi Valley, Calif., before returning to McDonald County in 1972. Her work ethic began as a youth in her uncle’s strawberry fields and stayed with her during her careers with Litton Industries and Hudson Foods, among other business endeavors.

She was a devout member of the Episcopal faith. She enjoyed genealogy, crocheting, quilting, and spending time with family. She was a member of the DAR in Neosho, Mo., as well as the Bunker Hill Quilt Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles Painter; sisters, Mary Jane Painter, Louise Rasmussen, and Juanita Dobbs; son, Roger VanSickle; daughter, Bethesda Tilden; and grandson, Brian Denny.

She is survived by her brother, Russell Painter and wife, Louise, of Winnebago, Ill; three daughters, Deborah Richardson of Frazier Park, Calif., Marcia Denny of Anderson and Glenda Sellers and husband, John, of Anderson; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind the love of her life, Joseph Tierno, with whom she found true happiness.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27, at the Bunker Hill Schoolhouse and Community Building with eulogy by John Sellers. All who wish to share in celebrating her life are encouraged to attend.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Bunker Hill Quilt Club or Tracy Cemetery Care Fund.

Ozark Funeral Home of Anderson is in charge of arrangements.