Margaret “Arlene” Fisher gained her angel wings at the age of 81, on October 8, 2022 at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow, Montana.
Arlene was born November 17, 1940, in Malta Montana to Marie (Bebee) and Urie Coe. Arlene grew up South of Malta at Beauchamp Creek, being such a long distance from school, Arlene and her siblings lived in Malta during the winter months to attend school. Shortly after Arlene started school her family moved into Malta and remained in the community. Arlene received her education from Malta High School and graduated with many friends. Her beauty and kindness for the world radiated everywhere she went and Arlene had a large number of lifelong friends.
Arlene met her soon to be husband after he returned home from his travels beyond the military. Arlene always fondly shared the story of her husband, Tom, pulling up in a fancy car and giving her a ride home, stating it was all over after that. The couple united in marriage on December 16, 1961 in Malta, Montana. After marriage Arlene and Thomas settled in Glasgow, until 1963, when they purchased the family ranch south of Saco. Their daughter Jolene and son Lendall Caldwell were welcomed into their life along with several other foster children whom they loved and cared for. Arlene spent much of her time taking care of her children, and bookkeeping for the family ranch, canning and gathering vegetables from their garden.
Arlene was a loving mother, and grandmother who helped in raising her first granddaughter, Katrena Palmer. Arlene was genuine and welcoming, every guest felt like family when they were at her home. She was a master of quilting, cooking, tuna fish sandwiches and everything fun. Jolene recalls frequently finding humor later in life, about the prom dresses which Arlene use to make for her. Arlene spent much time cooking and sharing stories or recipes with her dear neighbors and family friends along the creek bottom. Arlene was active in American Legion Auxiliary, FFA, and was a leader of the Larb Creek Livewires 4H Club. She spent many of her Saturday’s at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Glasgow, where she would play piano, while Thomas would give sermon and Katrena would sing. She also was a leader and assisted with the Sabbath School Program for that church. Arlene’s family was arguably her most important achievement in life and she was so incredibly proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In 2005, Arlene moved to Maxwell, New Mexico, where she enjoyed the warmer weather and Thomas’s fruit trees in the back and the company of her daughter. In 2019 Arlene moved back to Glasgow, where she then got to enjoy the fruits of her labor; spending quality time with her daughter, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren. Her last home was at Valley View Nursing Home, where she loved many, and received excellent care from her Valley View family. Arlene filled her time with crafts, social hours, and playing cards alongside her daughter Jolene.
Those of us who were blessed to be touched by her, understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that she stayed here. Arlene continues to be a beacon of hope for many and a reminder that leading with kindness, seeking good and having an open heart can have a tremendous impact.
Preceding Arlene in death is her husband, Thomas J. Fisher; parents; Urie and Marie Coe; brother, Jim (Judy) Coe, and her grandparents.
Arlene survived by her brother, Charles “Bing” Coe; daughter, Jolene (Edmund) Fisher; son, Lendall Cardwell; granddaughters, Katrena (Josh), and DeVon (Cameron); great-grandchildren: Sage, Lyndsey, and Jaxson; nephews, Mike and Wesley; former son-in-law, Kyle Palmer who is the father to Katrena and DeVon, and several of the Fisher relatives from her and Thomas’s marriage, and many other neighbors, friends, and acquaintances who were very special to Arlene.
A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held on her upcoming birthday, November 17. Further details to follow soon. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
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Howard A Pippin says
A very dear friend That I’ve never heard a bad word about .May she rest in peace and our sympathies are with the family.
Martha phipps says
Arlene was a joy to care for so glad she knew the Lord. My condolences to jolene and devon
Nancy McPhee Lierow says
My daughter and I visited Arlene and her daughter Jolene last summer when I was visiting in Glasgow.
It was so good to see them. Arlene was her happy and smiling self as she has always been. Her and I graduated together in Malta in 1958. I always think of her with that big smile and friendly personality!
May she now be free of pain and at peace with our Lord! 🙏🌹
Valarie R Westfall says
Dear Jolene,
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your dear mother. I have many fond memories of visiting your family farmhouse with my family. A lot of laughter, good food, much visiting and the odd smell of roasting peanuts. That was a first for me.
I have been reflecting on those feelings and am glad I was able to create and share them with your family then and now.
Sincerely
Valarie Romo
Cheryl Spalinger says
Your Mom was such a joy! Her love of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ radiated from the very core of her being. Jolene, you’ve inherited your Mom’s warm, loving heart, and we are all blessed from the richness of Christ who lives in you and in your Mom. The two of you ministered (and minister) to all who cross your paths. Her love, joy, warmth, encouragement and admonitions reached the depth of my heart every time I stopped by to visit. God used her, and is still using her, to encourage us in this life. Arlene was a role model, someone to walk beside, and one to emulate. My deepest love to you always, dear sister, Cheryl