Arlene was a loving Sister, Mom, Aunt, and die hard HUSKERS fan who died peacefully in her home on June 5, 2016 at 4:06 am. She was born on April 6, 1940 at her home in Brainard, Nebraska, and grew up on the farm. She was the oldest of three and a consistent winner of the family corn husking contests. She later moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, and worked for the Nebraska Farmer Newspaper. It was there where she met and married Ronald in 1962 and to her surprise became related to half of La Plata County, Colorado. They moved to Durango and started their family. A few years later, they moved to the Rea family farm on Salt Creek in Ignacio. She stayed at home and raised her kids until they were all in school and then started working at the Shur Value in Ignacio where she made many lifelong friends; she worked there until she retired in 1997.
She was most happy when visiting and loving on family, friends, and grandkids. She was a long standing member of the family "Aunt Hill." In her retirement she enjoyed attending church, cooking, crafting, gardening and quilting with her sisters.
She is survived by daughters: Tina (Kurt) Kraemer and Tracy (Nick) Teran; son: Pat (Jeni) Rea; sister: Marci (Don) Howe; grandchildren: Jessica Kraemer, Garrett Kraemer, Kendel Teran, David Rea, Alexander Rea, Emelia Rea, Sophia Rea and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Ronald, her parents Frank and Clara Rejda and brother, Ronald Rejda.
A viewing will be held at 5:00p.m., prior to the Recitation of the Rosary, on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 6:00p.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Monday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Ignacio Church.