Mary Alice (Sterkel) Arlen, age 81, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away at her home on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on Dec. 18, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Anthony and Florence (Houck) Sterkel. Upon completion of nursing school, she married Richard Larry Arlen, and they devoted themselves as husband and wife for over 60 years.
Mary worked as a nurse in hospitals and nursing homes throughout her career. When she wasn’t working, she devoted herself to running the household and raising four children. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, crafts, reading, card games, pickleball, and golf.
Mary lived in various cities in Ohio. She retired in Manning, South Carolina and eventually returned to Mount Vernon to be closer to her family.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Arlen, whom she married on Sept. 7, 1963; three daughters, Jennifer (Douglas) Bouch of Johnston City, Tennessee, Julie (Michael) Norrocky of Utica, and Kate (Gary) Lambert of Utica; nine grandchildren, Daniel (Lauren) Bouch, Sarah (Dillon) Shipley, Megan Norrocky, Madison (Clayton) Johnson, Andrew Norrocky, Courtney (Joe) Upton, Rachel Williamson, Abby Lambert and Haley Lambert; nine great-grandchildren, Darcy, Cordelia and Lorelai Bouch, Case Shipley, Jack and Owen Johnson, Connor Ricciardo, Annslee Upton, and Alivia Williamson.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Bart Matthew Arlen; two brothers, Thomas Sterkel and Robert Sterkel; and a sister, Sr. Mary Agnes SND.
A Mass of Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, beginning at 12 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Home, Lasater Chapel,11337 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050, where friends may call one hour prior. The family will observe a private burial.
Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to the Knox County Animal Shelter.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Snyder Funeral Home, Lasater Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Mary Alice (Sterkel) Arlen.
