Arlene Jones Smith, age 91, former long time resident of Cambridge Springs, PA passed away at Brookside group home in Erie, PA on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Born in Mill Village, PA on November 12, 1922, Arlene was a daughter of the late George Jones and Ida Peters Jones. On June 10, 1944, she married Merle F. Smith and he preceded her in death on November 19, 2009.

Smith, Arlene JonesAttending the first 11 grades of school at Rockdale, Arlene’s 12th year and graduation was from Cambridge Springs High School. She then became a licensed practical nurse working for many years and retiring from Beverly Healthcare in Cambridge Springs.

Arlene was a former member of Millers Station United Methodist Church where she had taught Sunday School and was a lay speaker. Presently, she was a member of Summit United Methodist Church. Her former memberships included Cambridge Grange where she was a lecturer; the Waterford Rebekah Lodge where she was a Past Noble Grand; the Rockdale Parent Teachers Association serving as a past president. In addition, she had served as secretary of the Cambridge Senior Citizens Center where she had served on various committees; had been an associate member of Cambridge Area Volunteer Ambulance Service; and was a life member and served as President of Cambridge Springs Helping Hands and other committees; was a member and served as Vice President of Crawford County PTA; was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels; and was a member of French Creek Preservation Society. Arlene was involved in other community activities including being Co-Founder and President of the Rockdale Township Crime Watchers; was a Co-Founder, President, and Secretary of Rockdale Old Home Days; and was a member and on the Council of Protected Home Circle Life Insurance Club. She loved her Lord and demonstrated her faith in giving to others. Her family and many friends meant so much to her and she took great pride and joy in her great grandchildren.

Preceding Arlene in death in addition to her parents and husband, was a son- David and her foster family members – Mary, Sarah, and Smith Mitchell. Also preceding her in death were two infant grandsons – Frederick and Christian Weiland, an infant sister – Doris Mae Jones; two nieces – Joanne Jones and Denise Lanis; and a brother-in-law – Robert Whipple.

Surviving family members include two daughters – Coralynn McClune and her husband, Robert of Cambridge Springs and Karen Weiland and her husband, David of Erie; foster children – Leo VanLuven and his twin-sister – Leona VanLuven both of Erie; four grandchildren – Reed McClune and his wife, Nancy of Cambridge Springs; Glenn McClune and his wife, Crystal of Cambridge Springs; David Smith, Jr. formerly of Erie; Marcie of Waterford. Addition survivors are four great grandchildren – Robert, Koralyn, Lillian, and Connor McClune all of Cambridge Springs; a sister – Louise Whipple; two brother – Ralph Jones and his wife, Delores and Milton Jones and his wife, Lila all of Erie; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to funeral services there on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Tom Hoeke, pastor of Summit United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Mill Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Cambridge Springs Helping Hands, PO Box 43, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 or Regional Home Health and Hospice, 3526 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16508.