On March 16, 1939, Arlene Joy Walby was born to Arthur and Anna (Peterson) Walby in Glasgow Montana. She was raised on the family farm that her dad homesteaded in 1916. She had two sisters: Rosalie and Linda. Arlene attended Glasgow schools for twelve years, was one of ten teenage conservationists, involved in FFA, 4 H, attended National 4H Congress in 1956, danced at Soden Corunn Palace in Vienna, and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1957.
In 1960, Arlene graduated from MSU Missoula with a degree in Elementary Education, and in 1970 she graduated from MSU Bozeman with a Master’s in Education. While at MSU Missoula, she was introduced to Thomas Edward Mills III and they became Royaleers square dance partners. She married Tom on January 29, 1961. They were blessed with two children Rusty and Kari and were married for 59 ½ years.
Arlene taught school for 25 years in Missoula, Montana, Fayettville, North Carolina, Glasgow, Montana AFB, Bellevue, Washington, Great Falls, Montana, and North Bend, Oregon. She taught Environmental Education in Great Falls, Montana, was a Principal in Wolf Point, Montana, and in Lakeside, Oregon where she taught, did Title I, and was the Principal. In total, she touched the lives of over 5,000 students.
Arlene was secretary for Aerospace Education Summer Institute in Bozeman, Montana, was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, President of Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, and President of S.W. Region Elementary School Principals in Oregon.
Arlene’s minor was in US History. She attended Mexico City College in 1959 and minored in European History in Bozeman, Montana. Her love of future history (eschatology) led her to Israel’s Holy Land in 2002. Arlene was active in the Gideons Auxiliary for 25 years.
On the morning of Monday, July 31, 2023, Arlene passed away in her sleep at Adventist Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Arlene was 84 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her sisters; son, Rusty Mills and daughter, Kari (Mike) Wade; four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Bell Mortuary. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 17, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 17, 2023
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
2:30 p.m.
Thursday August 17, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave So
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 17, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 17, 2023
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
2:30 p.m.
Thursday August 17, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave So
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Barb Johnson says
Aunt Arlene…..our fondest memory of you will always be the Viking cruise we took down the Blue Danube and watching you close down the evening show with the Folk Dancers on stage. You brought the lights of the city with you and got everyone to join in! So strike up the band – Aunt Arlene is coming!
Rose Johnson says
“THE PLACE WHERE SHE STOOD SHALL KNOW HER NO MORE” Arlene arrived in a raging blizzard March 16th, 1937 and went out July 31, 2023 on the Super Moon. Her little laughter was contagious and how she could dance whenever she heard music. She even ran away when she was only four-across the wheat fields to Donnie Sand to find out when the next country dance would be . She chased windmills, looked for that pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. I will forever see her dancing on every cloud and singing in the wind. Remember her with smiles and laughter, for that is how I shall remember her. Love ya Sis! Rose
Denise says
Condolences TO Rusty and Kari, Linda. I will always remember your mom and sister. Friends Denise Cole neighbor to Grandma Anna