[Nfbwv-talk] For Those of You Who Knew Arlene Hill

[Smyth, Charlene R]

Born March 25, 1943 in Knoxville, Iowa, Arlene Hill passed away peacefully after battling cancer on November 13 at her home in Ruston surrounded by her daughters.

Arlene is survived by her children:  Andrea Beasley and husband, Jeremiah, of Dublin, CA; Eric Gashel and wife, Miranda, of Frisco, TX; and Valerie Costanza and husband, Sam, of Ruston, LA; grandchildren:
Katrina, Kyle, Kole, and Kinsey Beasley; Camden and Ansley Gashel; Amelia, Thomas, and Nola Costanza;
sister, Donna Smith and husband, Roger, of Sibley, LA.

Arlene and her three children moved to Ruston in 1987 when she began teaching Cane Travel at the Louisiana Center for the Blind.  For three decades, Arlene taught hundreds of students the skills needed to travel wherever they needed, whenever they wanted, in all types of environments.  Regardless of weather conditions, she was always out on the streets with her students helping them conquer their fears and gain the confidence they needed to be independent and successful.  For the past three years, Arlene taught Home Management.  The kitchen was always a lively place full of learning, laughter, and life lessons.  She was a cherished mentor, role model, and friend!  She was always ready to listen, and many sought her counsel.  She was known by all for her quick wit, loyalty to her beliefs, and "no nonsense" approach to life.

Family, faith, and hard work were Arlene's priorities.  There was nothing of which she was more proud and thankful for than her three children and nine grandchildren.  Whether going to dance recitals, baseball games, pep rallies, gymnastics events, or babysitting, Arlene was always there.  She also shared her wisdom with many blind parents who sought her advice on child-rearing.

Arlene was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and an active member of the choir, something which brought her much joy!  She served in various leadership capacities in the National Federation of the Blind and always found ways to give back and teach others to serve through example!  Arlene enjoyed reading, knitting, coffee, making her famous crockpot candy, shopping, and learning about the latest fashion and makeup trends.

Arlene shared her positive philosophy about blindness and her faith with everyone she met through her words and actions!  The following quote exemplifies her approach:  "If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind ... for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my Blessed Savior." - Fanny Crosby

Her legacy will live on through all those who loved her.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home.  Rev. Jerry Hilbun will officiate.  A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, planned memorials may be made to LA Center for the Blind, 101 S. Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 71270, www.louisianacenter.org.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com<http://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com> .

Greetings,

The family of Arlene Hill would like to invite you to attend the Memorial Service celebrating her life.  The service will be broadcasted on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfFycTIHaMs&feature=youtu.be

The Service will start at 2:00pm Central Time on Wednesday, November 15th.  If you would like to share thoughts with the family and each other, you can tweet and post to Facebook using the hashtag #love4arlene.  Come help us celebrate the life of this AWESOME, STRONG, and WISE woman!

Thank you,

Jeremiah
Jeremiah Beasley <jbeasley at jb11.net<mailto:jbeasley at jb11.net>>



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