Arlene Blythe Vanbrocklin

TRAVERSE CITY - Arlene Blythe (Cole) VanBrocklin, 94, of Traverse City passed away Friday, February 19, 2016 at Culver Meadows Senior Living and is at home with her Lord and Savior.

Arlene was born on Monday, August 1, 1921 to the late Frederick Bruce and Hazel Altha (Davis) Cole in Traverse City. She attended Fife Lake School until her family moved to Traverse City. Arlene graduated from Traverse City High School in 1939. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1939, she married Robert Harris VanBrocklin in Traverse City by Rev. Howard Towne.

A charter member of Bible Baptist Church with her husband Bob, Arlene had served there on the Christian Service Committee and also served as a Deaconess. She enjoyed being a homemaker and especially enjoyed her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Arlene is survived by her children, James (Kay) VanBrocklin and Beverly (Denny) Sheffer, all of Traverse City; grandchildren, Cory (Anne) VanBrocklin, Jason (Shelley) VanBrocklin, Candi (Zack) Kurmas, Joshua (Tara) Sheffer, Tony (Shannon) Sheffer; great-grandchildren, Alex, Lily, Kelby, Kate, Claire, Brandon, Andrew, Xander, Xavier, Malcolm, Quilan, Amara, Ella, and Madyson. Her brother Calvin (Betty) Cole and a sister in law, Jackie Cole along with many nieces and nephews also survive. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob and siblings, Carl, Enid, Violet, Burdella, Betty, and Jack.

The family would like to thank Meals on Wheels, Comfort Keepers, the caregivers of Culver Meadows and Hospice of Michigan. Your love and support was greatfully appreciated.

The funeral service for Arlene will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Bible Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share your memories of Arlene with her family by visiting www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .