Arlene L. Stambaugh, 93

Dear Mom,

You were always big on thank you notes, so we thought it was only fitting that your obituary be a heartfelt thank you to an extraordinary daughter, sister, wife, mother and GG.

Arlene (Eichenauer) Stambaugh was the very definition of the word mother — gentle, kind and totally devoted to the training, comfort and care of her family. We never left the house without a kiss, a hot meal and proper clothing for the season. As youngsters, we often rolled our eyes (out of sight, of course) at Arlene’s sage, common-sense advice, only to discover down the road that she was one wise woman. Mom taught us the value of faith, family, hard work and love for others. Family was so important to her. She adored her husband, girls, sons-in-law and grandchildren. She spoiled us with many homemade goodies, including cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies … oh, the pies!

Arlene was born Oct. 13, 1931, in Circleville, Ohio, to Glenn and Leila Eichenauer. She was the third of four children. Mom grew up helping raise and show toy Manchester dogs and working in her family’s restaurant business. After graduating from high school, Arlene worked at General Electric Co. in Dayton, Ohio. She met an Air Force airman, Vern Stambaugh, at a dance and married her Idaho boy Nov. 19, 1955. Arlene made a comfortable home wherever Vern was stationed, creating a peaceful, immaculate haven for Vern, Karen, Carol and Sandy. After Vern retired from the Air Force, they lived for several years in Boise before moving to Hayden in 1980 for the remainder of their years.

We love you and thank you, Mom. You are missed and we look forward to seeing you again.

Arlene passed away peacefully Jan. 10, 2025, at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Wash., with her daughters holding her hands.

Arlene is survived by her daughters, Karen (Matt) Roetter, Carol (Steve) Moore and Sandy (Rick) Motter. She is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel (744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814).

Please visit Arlene’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.