Arlene Helen Emerson, 85, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019 at her home, with her loving husband at her side.
As her health declined, Arlene fought with courage, determination and humor.

Arlene was born on January 12, 1934 to the late Arthur and Barbara (Martindale) Usher in Marilla. She graduated from Mesick High School in 1952 and on October 16, 1953, she married Richard Lee Emerson in Traverse City.

An accomplished seamstress, Arlene owned her own sewing business. She was a loving daycare provider in her home, caring for children for over 34 years. Arlene was a master chocolate chip cookie maker and foster mother to many babies in the Traverse City area during the 1960's. She loved working in her extensive flower gardens.

She is survived by her husband Dick; sons, Steven Emerson, Gary (Sharon) Emerson, Scott (Cindy) Emerson and Mark (Jeri) Emerson. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Ryan (Kim), Sara (Jordan), Karen, Daniel, Christopher, Ashley and Melody and great grandmother to Logan, Graham, Gary, Summer, Darrin, Venessa, Farrah and Liam; siblings, Howard (Christine) Usher, David (Arlene) Usher, Jim (Donna) Usher, and Linda Marcott. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Ardith VanOtterloo, Alice Waggoner and brothers Chuck Usher and Harold Usher.

Visitation for Arlene will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. The rosary will be prayed at 2:45 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. Pastor Chris Emery will officiate. Interment will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in the spring.
A heartfelt thank you to the team from Munson Hospice for the compassionate care you gave to Arlene and unwavering support to our family. Also, to Dr. Molly Craven for going above and beyond and your special home visits. It meant the world to Arlene.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Father Fred Foundation, P. O. Box 2260, Traverse City, MI 49685 or to The St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Please share your favorite memories of Arlene with her family by visiting her online tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served and cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.