Obituary of Arlene E. Stevenson-Booth

STEVENSON-BOOTH, Arlene E. 98, died on December 19, 2016, from causes related to old age and dementia. Arlene was born August 4, 1918, in the rural Town of Meeme, Wisconsin. The only child of Rose A. and Walter E. Lorfeld, Arlene grew up on the family farm. After completing high school, she attended secretarial school and took some college classes. In 1940 she married high school teacher, John M. V. Stevenson in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. They had three children, John Stevenson (Betty), Roberta McDermott (Mac) and James Stevenson (Kris Rees), all of whom survive her. In 1957 the family moved to Tucson, Arizona. Arlene went to work as a secretary with the Employment Service of the State of Arizona. That was the start of a 25-year career during which Arlene rose to the position of Manager of the Work Incentive Program (WIN). Arlene's position enabled her to enjoy a flare for nicer clothing, but it was her work in the program that was a great source of pride. WIN was one of the first programs in the United States to help single mothers receiving welfare. It provided them with comprehensive resources and encouragement for self-improvement. Arlene applied a belief in personal growth to her own life. She was an early adherent of healthy eating and exercise habits. She enriched her experience by attending a wide variety of artistic performances and cultural events. As long as she was able, she was an active member of the congregation at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Arlene was a liberal in the Wisconsin progressive tradition, and she was a feminist prototype by example. While learning public speaking skills for professional development, she enjoyed the fellowship she found at the Las Amigas Toastmistress Club. In 1980 she was named Toastmistress of the Year by Council 1 of the clubs. In that same year her husband died after a series of medical problems that had begun in 1968 with a severe stroke. Arlene continued in her profession until she retired in 1983. She then spent more time on favorite activities such as reading, listening to music, gardening, hiking, and watching the desert creatures that lived in her patio. She kept in touch with work colleagues and women friends, who appreciated her for her intelligence and "a wicked sense of humor." She was an informative and entertaining correspondent to friends and family in Wisconsin and other places. In 1985 she married David V. Booth, a retired farmer from Michigan whom she had met at church. While Arlene had done some traveling prior to marrying David, together they had many domestic and international travel adventures. Probably the most unique of these occurred in 1989, when they were on a trip to China. From the 15th floor of their hotel in Beijing, they watched the entire city go dark at 2:00 a.m. as the Tienanmen Square massacre took place only a half mile away. Fortunately, their group returned unharmed. An activity new to Arlene thanks to David was Arizona Wildcat basketball. David's foresight caused them to get season tickets when Lute Olson arrived as coach. Sixteen years after David's death in 1996, Arlene was still braving the climb to her seat in the second row from the top in McKale Center. In Arlene's later years she continued with her interests. She also took up new things, such as tutoring at an elementary school. In about 2007 the effects of dementia began narrowing her capabilities. Even so, she maintained her genial disposition and an interest in people. Her positive attitude continued after circumstances required moving from her home to a memory care facility, where her warm smile was a gift to caregivers. Arlene lived a well-rounded life. She loved her family deeply. She had an abiding appreciation and love for nature. Perhaps because she had to persevere through daunting challenges in her own life, she had empathy for struggling souls. She did her part to help out. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Trinity Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.