Arlene Catherine Woods

Arlene Catherine Woods (Arquette), 96, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at The Villas at Winston Court surrounded by her family. 

Arlene was born in 1927 in Lucas County, Ohio, to Frederick and Frances Arquette. The family moved to Michigan when she was a toddler. She attended elementary school in Orangeville, junior high in Martin, and her family then moved to Olivet. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1946. Following her graduation from high school, Arlene worked at Jacobson’s Department Store and Marshall Brass. 

In 1951, Arlene met Matthew Woods on a blind date set up by their friends. They married at St. Mary Catholic Church in 1952 and were married for 65 years prior to Matt’s death in 2017. Arlene was the heart of her home, and her family was the most important and greatest joy of her life. She had many gifts including managing the home, tending large gardens, canning, sewing, cooking, baking, and most importantly, being the loving mother of 12 children. She was also blessed with 25 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way. Through the years, she was often found rocking and cuddling one of the little ones.

When her daughter Marianne was stationed in Germany, Arlene was able to visit and tour some of Europe with her daughters. Later, Arlene and Matt visited Marianne while she lived in Colorado and Idaho. She and Matt also took a cruise to Alaska and car trips to Missouri and Niagara Falls, as well as many trips to northern Michigan.

Arlene had a very strong faith and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church since 1945.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Matt, daughter Marianne, her parents, two brothers, one sister, and multiple in-laws. She is survived by her children: Fred (Pam) Woods, Larry (Sandy) Woods, Andy (Wendee) Woods, Jane Lake, Ellen (John) Hallacy, Mick (Jennie) Woods, Ed (Lori Becker) Woods, Bill (Karen) Woods, Margaret (Darin) Feasel, Ron Woods, Dianne (Brent) Cole; 25 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Sue Ann Arquette Colwell; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation for Arlene will be on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 5-7 pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation, with a rosary to be prayed at 7 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall, MI. Interment will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery following the funeral services. 

Memorial contributions can be made to EWTN or St. Mary Catholic Church. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.