Arlene Karnes, passed away February 20, 2015, at Saint Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 82. Arlene was preceded in death by her sons, Curtis and Bruce Karnes; her mother and father, Delores and Fred Rothenay; her brother, Dwight; and her sisters, Marge and Patricia. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Duke, and her two children, Thaine and Lynn. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; Arby, Joshua, Simon, Taylor, Justin, Anthony and Jared, and twelve great-grandchildren. Arlene was born and raised in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and was the oldest girl of nine children. She was an exemplary student and played the saxophone. After marriage, Duke and Arlene moved to Western Kansas as farmers in the rural Hoxie area. Later in life, Arlene worked side-by-side with her husband in the motel business for thirty-three years, primarily at the Best Western Wheel Motel in WaKeeney, Kansas. Arlene's work ethic contributed to the business' success with her avid bookkeeping, scheduling and office management skills. In her spare time, she loved to host bridge club parties with her girlfriends, play cards with her grandkids, bowl and read. Our memories of Arlene are numerous… She loved to sing and played the organ. She was the one to make every birthday personal and every holiday special. Arlene was the support system for the family and always there for her siblings, children and grandchildren. With her humor, Arlene faced life's challenges with determination and a positive outlook and always provided suggestions on how to make our lives better. From the birth of a new baby to dealing with terminal illnesses, she was our companion and friend. We will keep her spirit alive, through stories and memories…until we meet again. There will be a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at the Paola United Methodist Church at 209 S Silver St, Paola, KS, 66071. Visitation begins at 1:00pm followed by a service at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Kansas Society for Children with Challenges. www. kssociety. org/contact. html