Arlene Simpson, 65, of Burns, passed away June 1.

Arlene was born May 4, 1954, in Burns, to Count and Francis Pepin. Arlene graduated in 1972 from Burns Union High School. In 1973, she married Tom Simpson, and this past January, they celebrated 46 years together.

After graduation, Arlene studied at Southern Oregon University until she and Tom chose to marry. They welcomed their first son in 1973. They loved their little boy and cherished every minute in the short time that they were blessed by him. Tom and Arlene were soon blessed with two daughters, and began building their own home on a small piece of property just outside of Burns. Arlene took pride in her home, garden, and the flowers that she grew. You would often see her vegetables and flowers entered in the Harney County Fair, as well as the many sewing projects that she displayed at the fair.

At the time of her death, Arlene was employed as an office manager at Monroe School with the school district where she had worked for the past 24 years. Through the years, she held many different jobs, from being a janitor to working in construction, but one of her favorite jobs was working for her beloved neighbors at Alan’s Repair and Balloon Express. Arlene always took pride in her work and was often the one to come in early and stay late in an effort to help her coworkers and friends.

Arlene loved to garden, ride horses, cross-country ski, ride four-wheelers, sew, and craft. She loved adventuring and palling around with her friends. She loved their annual rafting, ski, and four-wheeler trips, as well as all the other fun activities and lunches that these ladies shared. Arlene also hosted a New Year’s party every year, which began a tradition many years ago. The group has gotten smaller as the years have gone on, but there was always a lively game of Hearts to be played at the Simpson home.

Arlene loved to help. When her kids were younger, you would find Arlene helping in their classrooms, 4-H groups, sports, fair court…you name it. She was there supporting all the kids. She was also one to help her friends in need. With her experience with cancer at a young age, she helped many people through the years with their diagnosis and treatments. She was often one of the first ones to help a friend in a tough spot by bringing a meal, helping with chores, bringing a thoughtful gift, or just showing up to offer support.

Arlene loved to travel and spend time with her family and went on many adventures with them creating amazing memories.  She went skiing, hang gliding, rode in a glider, and even went sky diving after a little convincing from her girls. She loved her only grandson, Caden, so very much, and they bonded over their love of trains, making cookies, “Caden’s horse Tuffy,” and eating popsicles together.

She will be remembered by her friends and family for her humble and strong personality and the thoughtful handmade gifts and Christmas candy trays that she loved to make and give out.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Tom Simpson of Burns; daughters, Jen (Sam) Housley of Nephi, Utah, and Shelly (Ben) Spence of  Yacolt, Wash.; and grandson, Caden Spence.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Timothy; father, Count Pepin; and mother, Francis Pepin.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Bible Baptist Church, 101 E. Pettibone Ave. in Hines.

Her beloved CAPS friends are hosting a lunch after the service at the golf course to honor her and share all the wonderful memories. Contributions in her memory may be made to CAN Cancer or to a local organization of your choice.