Arlene Phelps

Arlene G. Phelps, 88, died at home on Thursday, May 27, 2010. Arlene was born Beverly Jean Smith and was taken from the Orphan Train by the Child Rescue Home in August 1921. She was given the birth date of July 4, based on her age when taken from the train. She was chosen by her sister, Zelda as a baby and formally adopted at the age of 5 by their parents, Berkey and Eva (Jasper) Shaffer who farmed near Elkhart.

Her name was changed to Arlene Grace Shaffer and she joined the Church of the Brethern at an early age. She graduated from Elkhart consolidated School in 1939. Arlene married James Phelps November 1, 1941.

She worked at the ordinance plant during WWII and in the office at Sears in the years following the war. She was a bank officer at Brenton Bank and was a secretary at Barton Solvents for 15 years. She worked at H&R Block for 18 years.

Arlene served on the Board of Directors at Spurgeon Manor when they broke ground for an Alzheimer’s unit. She worked at the Iowa State Fair in the Food Department for 23 years.

She is most remembered for her ability at the organ and her willingness to play at retirement and nursing homes, churches, and for 10 years at the Iowa Methodist Hospital Chapel. She was a charter member of the Des Moines Organ Club and enjoyed Critchett’s organ classes and extravaganzas.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, James Phelps, her parents, her adopted siblings, Juniata “June” Schneider, Zelda Childs, James Shaffer and his wife Julia. Her survivors include sisters-in-law, Erma Allen now living in Florida and Joy Phelps of Washington State and her brother-in-law, Leonard Phelps of Urbandale. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Arlene’s nephew and niece, Gary and Janice Ash, would like to thank Dr. Michael Blaess and the staff at Mercy East Village for the care and compassion given to Arlene. They would also like to thank Dr. Douglas Casady, Dr. Steven Johnston and the staff at Wolfe Eye Clinic for the eye care given to Arlene that saved her sight.

The family members will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday night, June 2, 2010 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 3, 2010 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hamilton’s Funeral Home to defray funeral expenses.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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