Arlene Stephenson, 80, of Rathdrum, passed away in her home on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011.

Born Arlene Koepplin on April 7, 1931, in Elgin, N.D., to Gottlieb and Paulina Gunther, Arlene grew up in Missoula and Frenchtown, Mont. However, after graduation she moved to Wallace and began working at Tabors. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Ole Stephenson, on Sept. 17, 1950. She is a member of the El Karnak Daughters of the Nile, as well as an active member of the Coeur d'Alene group, where she created a strong bond of sisterhood with all the ladies.

She is survived by her husband Ole Stephenson at the home in Rathdrum; son Larry and his wife Cathy, of Spokane; sisters Margaret Hanson, of Sandpoint, and Elsie Weigand, of Missoula; and grandson Jeremy and his wife Wendy, of Hayden.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday Sept. 16, 2011, at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 11327 N. Friar Drive,(corner of Strahorn Road and Honeysuckle Avenue), Hayden Lake, ID 83835.

The family request donations to Shriner's Hospital in lieu of flowers.

Yates Funeral Home, in Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.

Please visit Arlene's online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign her guest book.