Arlene Mathews, 71

Arlene Louise (Popp) Mathews passed away at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo on Sunday,  November 15, 2020 after a long illness.  Arlene was born to Bill and Ruby Popp in 1949 and was the youngest in the family. She graduated from Saint Mary’s School in Lake Leelanau. Her career was in the banking industry, and she received an Associates Degree in Accounting.  She married Vernon Mathews in 1973. Arlene loved traveling with her husband to places by the water and visiting sites especially in their home state of Michigan and nearby states. Her hobbies were sewing, reading, and gifting. Those who received her handiwork and quilts were greatly honored. Arlene’s faith in God and her church were very important to her. She was a sweet presence at New Hope Assembly for the past two decades. Arlene loved Popp Reunions and getting together with her siblings and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Arlene left many friends and family who will miss her sorely. The gentleness, kindness, and love that emanated from Arlene were always felt by whomever came in contact with her. She was a bolster, a cushion of strength in her loving support of her husband and in the Popp family.

Arlene is survived by her husband Vern; four sisters and three brothers, Eunice Lingaur, Richard (Betty) Popp, Ray (Mary) Popp, Dorothy Korson, Joseph Popp, Patricia (Tom) Groesser, Betty (Marlin) Cederlind and her brother Ed’s wife, Annette Popp.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Ruby Popp; her husband’s parents, Ben and Mary Mathews, and also Joan Marie (her sister who died shortly after birth), and brother Edward Popp; in-laws Louie Lingaur, Carol (Bauer) Popp, Ray Korson, and Nancy Popp; niece Betty (Korson) Send, and nephew Mark Korson.

In accordance with her wishes cremation has been conducted and a memorial for Arlene will be held in 2021.

Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.