Obituary of Arlene J. Donley

Arlene J. Donley, 88, of Coffeyville passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Windsor Place. She was born October 24, 1925, at Coffeyville, to Arthur and Nellie (Banta) Black. Arlene grew up in and attended school in Coffeyville graduating from Field Kindley High School, and Coffeyville Community College before attending Kansas State University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education. After graduating from Kansas State University she taught school in White City, KS, Blackwell, OK and Bartlesville, OK. On October 1, 1957 she married Ben Donley at Neosho, MO. Following their marriage they made their home on their farm west of Edna, KS. In 1965 they moved to Coffeyville to be closer to her parents so she could help take care of her mother. Her husband preceded her in death on January 23, 1995. Arlene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville, where she was a member of the Choir. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Matinee Musical, Sweet Adeline's, and an HDU group at Valeda. Arlene loved to write poetry and music and attended the Night Rider's writing group in Coffeyville. She enjoyed playing the piano, and had a special gift being a caregiver, caring for her mother, her husband, several aunts and many others. But most of all she loved spending time with her family. Survivors include two daughters, Debbie Davis and husband Jim of Coffeyville, and Patricia Douglas and husband Charlie of rural Havana; three grandchildren, Taylor Davis of Coffeyville, Kaci Douglas of Lawrence, and Ryan Haley and husband John of Caney; and one great-grandson, Benton Haley of Caney. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, and one grandson, Drew Donley Davis on July 16, 2014. Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church Chapel with Pastor Nicole Schwartz officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville. Friends may call on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church Music Fund; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.