Birth Name: Arlene Bales
Birth Date: 11/12/1933
Birth Place: Oakdale, California
Date of Death: 05/17/2021
Place of Death: Reno, Nevada
A Letter From Heaven:
When tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel called my name
And took me by the hand.
I wish so much that you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time that you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me
I’m right here in your heart.
— Author Unknown
Arlene Anne (Bales) Bell passed on May 17, 2021. One of Arlene’s talents and passions was quilting. Those pieces of her quilts paralleled her life.
The early piece was when her life began on November 21, 1933 in Oakdale, CA to Russ and Virginia Bales. She had a loving and happy childhood in Oakdale. Arlene graduated from Oakdale High in 1951. She was married to Bill Bell for 51 years. They had 3 children, Cathy, Richard and Roddy. Arlene worked as a civilian clerk for the city of Reno for 25 plus years. She especially loved her retirement year.
Another beautiful piece was her family. She is survived by her children, Richard and Roddy Bell; her grandchildren Kerry and Katie Humphries, Jamie Aeilts, Lori Carter, Billy Bell, Dennis Strickland; great-grandchildren Tifini Humphries, Eric Neal, Gavin and Riley Aeilts, Andrew Eathan, Kyelyn Carter and Nicole Strickland; great-great grandchild Jase Humphries, who she adored; other family members and many good friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Bill Bell, daughter Cathy Humphries, her parents and her sister Caroline.
And yet still another piece of her quilt were her many friends. She will be remembered for her fierce loyalty and her willlingness to always lend a hand to anyone in need. Arlene was loving, caring, understanding, and a devoted friend. She enjoyed sharing her crafts, preserves, baked goodies and her handiwork. She was passionate about traveling, food, and trips to her cabin in Graeagle.
A piece we cannot forget was her oversized generous heart. She donated to many charities in the area and was always giving…especially to children and animals.
Her life, like many of the beautiful quilts she made, was composed of many intricate pieces. Her family and her many friends are what she cherished most in her 87 years. The quilt, a memory of her life, is complete.
– Taken from her obituary (Reno Gazette Journal-6/27/21)
