Arlene Marie (Welch) Schmunk

Arlene Schmunk peacefully joined the angels on Thursday morning, Aug. 6, surrounded by her loved ones.

A celebration of her life will be Sunday, Aug. 9, at 3 p.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Center, 9353 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. All are invited to come to celebrate her life with us.

Arlene was born on Feb. 2, 1953, to Dean and Gladys (Marr) Welch in Lincoln, NE.

On August 14, 1993, she married Doug Schmunk. Arlene has two daughters, Marie (Gauntt) Young and Trisha Gauntt; a son-in-law, Scott Young; and daughter-in-law Sally McKenzie; two granddaughters, Katelyn Garrity and Morgan Young, all of the Tri-Cities area.

Arlene was employed for approximately the last 20 years at the Pasco School District in various positions, the last being the library aide at McGee Elementary. Arlene played the piano and lead youth ministries at Moses Lake. She loved to do crafts, organizing many neighborhood holiday get-togethers, family camp outs, decorating and making flowers for many weddings. Gardening and building waterfalls were one of her favorite pastimes. Her hands were never idle, always willing to help others.

Arlene is survived by her husband of 16 years Doug Schmunk; daughters, Marie (Scott) Young, and Trisha Gauntt (Sally McKenzie); granddaughters, Katelyn Garrity and Morgan Young; Grandpuppy, Jersey Girl; father, Dean (Sherrill) Welch, Elgin, NE; siblings, Diane (Wayne) Thress, Madison, NE; Linda (Dave) Hoffman, Omaha, NE; Gloria (Doug) Dennis, Neligh, NE; Dean (Sonya) Welch II, Finley, WA; inlaws, Wanda Helmick, Baker City, OR; Roy (Lauri) Schmunk, Aimsville, OR; Charlie (Chery) Schmunk, Philomath, OR; Susan Mullinax, Redding, CA; Art Schmunk, Albany, OR; Cindy (Mike) Broughton, Pasco, WA; Jim (Nancy) Schmunk, Kasilof, AK; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Arlene is preceded in death by her mother, Gladys (Marr) Welch; mother-in-law, Miona Schmunk; and father-in-law, David Schmunk.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.HillcrestMemorialCenter.com.