Arlene Celeste Strayhorn (Risch), 91, of Villa Ridge passed away Monday, September 9, 2019 at her home.

On October 5, 1927 in St. Louis, Arlene was born to the union of Martin Risch and Lillian "Heeger".

Arlene met Tom Strayhorn while working at the Old Vienna Potato Chip Factory and

on September 14, 1946 she was united in marriage to Tom in St. Louis and they shared 67 years of marriage together.

Arlene was a member of the Order of The Eastern Star and the Clowns Wives Organization with Moolah Shriners.

Arlene also earned the title of Miss Harvey in 1943.

Arlene sometimes known as "Mouse" or "Tough Old Bird" loved spending time gardening and pulling weeds. She made the best gooey butter cake in town. Arlene was a thoughtful caregiver and always thought of others well-being. She also liked to give the dogs bones. Most of all Arlene loved her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren and the rest of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Lillian Risch; her husband, Tom Strayhorn; two brothers, Bruce Risch and Martin Risch Jr.; seven sisters, Martha, Grace, Mildred, Jeanette, Loretta, Lillian and Nelda; daughter-in-law, Sue Strayhorn.

Mrs. Strayhorn is survived by her two sons, Tom Strayhorn of Catawissa and Michael Schorpp and wife Elaine of Belle; two daughters, Sharon David of St. Louis and Bonnie Patton and husband David of Villa Ridge; thirteen grandchildren, Julius "Butch" David, Shawna Heathman and husband Jimmy, Kenneth David and wife Monica, Matthew Strayhorn and wife Genna, Joshua Strayhorn and wife Shannon, Leslie Paul, Brandy Paul, Michael Paul and wife Cody, Virginia Kastner, Brittany Araujo and husband Jonathan, Erin LoPorto and husband Bryan, Dylan Patton and wife Abigail and Samuel Patton and wife Alexis; fifteen great-grandchildren; Tyler David, Timothy David, Andrew David, Abigle Kastner, Benjamin Kastner, Zachary Kastner, Samantha Strayhorn, Sophia Strayhorn, Caleb Strayhorn, Melia Strayhorn, Calinda Strayhorn, David Brandt, Braelyn Araujo, Josephine Araujo and Bruce LoPorto; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.